Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at Alexander.Barth@bbgi.com.
How did the Patriots’ offer for Matthew Stafford stack up with the others?
What was the Patriots offer to the Lions for Matthew Stafford? And how close were they to the deal that ultimately got done with the Rams?
Aug 8, 2019; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) shakes hands with New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick after the game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Raj Mehta-USA TODAYBy Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
Details about the NFL's pursuit of Matthew Stafford continue to trickle out after he was dealt to the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday night. On Sunday, Tom Curran of NBC Sports Boston reported Stafford told the Lions they could trade him "anywhere but New England." Now we're learning the Patriots made an official offer on Stafford anyway.
In his MMQB column for Sports Illustrated, Albert Breer shared some of the other offers the Lions got for the 2009 first-overall pick. According to Breer, "New England was willing to package a second-rounder with a player to get Stafford." He didn't specify who the player was, or even if the talks got to the point where a specific name was the focus.
The Patriots weren't the only team who didn't offer their first-round pick. Indianapolis, who was at one point viewed as the favorite to land Stafford, also held out according to Breer. Meanwhile the Denver Broncos offered a pick swap, but weren't willing to move out of the first round all together.
Ultimately, the difference maker in the negotiations was Jared Goff. By agreeing to take on his contract, the Lions were able to pick up the extra first-round pick they likely wouldn't have gotten anywhere else. So while some will see the Patriots' offer as underwhelming, they were never realistically going to be able to top what Detroit ultimately received.
Alex BarthWriter
Alex Barth is a digital content producer and on-air host for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Barth grew up in the Boston area and began covering the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, and Boston Red Sox in 2017 before joining the Hub in 2020. He now covers all things Boston Sports for 985TheSportsHub.com as well as appearing on air. Alex writes about all New England sports, as well as college football. You can follow him across all social media platforms at @RealAlexBarth.
