The San Francisco 49ers may downplay their level of interest in Matthew Stafford. On Saturday, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the team denied rumors that it was on the verge of trading for the Detroit Lions quarterback. However, Peter King of NBC Sports reports that San Francisco was among the teams that were "very interested" in and "competed" for Stafford.
Stafford did end up in the NFC West, ultimately landing with the Los Angeles Rams, who gave up a haul to acquire the soon-to-be 33-year-old quarterback. That included multiple first-round picks, a third-rounder, and Jared Goff.
According to King, the Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, and Indianapolis Colts were also in the running for Stafford.
Carolina was very interested in Stafford, and competed for him. Denver too. Indy and SF as well. The Rams had to pay more than they wanted (obviously).
— Peter King (@peter_king) January 31, 2021
San Francisco wasn't likely ever going to surrender that kind of draft capital for Stafford. Many believe that it cost the Rams so much because it meant the Lions absorbing Goff's salary.
From this point forward, we can refer to this trade/cap strategy as The Goffload. Goffloading https://t.co/ynewTDuTSt
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) January 31, 2021
The 49ers were facing an already-tough division that had Russell Wilson and Kyler Murray. Instead of adding Stafford, the team will have to face him too at least twice a year moving forward. Of course, it will be interesting to see how the Rams manage their salary cap. Los Angeles was already in a far worse situation than San Francisco in that department.
After trading for Matt Stafford, the Rams have ~$212 million in 2021 liabilities, which would be $32 million over the estimated 2021 salary cap.
It'll be fascinated to see how they maneuver themselves under. A Stafford extension can kick the financial gymnastics off
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) January 31, 2021
Rams' first round picks by year:
2016: Jared Goff
2017: None
2018: None
2019: None
2020: None
2021: None
2022: None
2023: NoneAnd after trading Goff, the last player they took in the first round, the Rams aren't scheduled to make another first round pick anytime soon.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 31, 2021