But after the dopamine surge that accompanies the novelty of a new quarterback wears off, the Los Angeles Rams will find themselves sobered by an uncertain future and the pressure to win a Super Bowl immediately.
After trading their 2020 and 2021 first-round picks and a 2021 fourth-round pick for Jalen Ramsey in 2019, Los Angeles gave up another two first-round picks, a third, and Jared Goff for Matthew Stafford.
Sean McVay now has a very tight window in which to fit a title run and is doing so at the cost of a heavily mortgaged future. While he may not have given up as much as Mike Ditka did to get Ricky Williams, McVay has come pretty close by going all in on Stafford.
Stafford has been a durable, consistent quarterback with nice arm strength, but is he worth mortgaging the future of the franchise?
Stafford was 14th in defense-adjusted yards above replacement and 16th in total quarterback rating, finishing 2020 with 26 touchdowns, 10 interceptions and a 65.2 completion percentage. Damn right the Niners would have taken those numbers this year or any, but are they worth all that was given up?
Stafford played in three playoff games and did not win any of them, has taken a lot of damage over his 12-year career, and will turn 33 this February.
They say, "scared money don't make money" and "no risk it no biscuit," but the Rams are not guaranteed anything with Stafford as their quarterback and may precipitously fall off a cliff if they do not win a Super Bowl in 2021 or 2022.
Would it have been exciting for the Niners to have a new, solid quarterback the week before the Super Bowl? Sure. But setting aside the emotions, the San Francisco 49ers are likely better served by drafting and developing their future franchise quarterback than by overpaying, and may have dodged a bullet in not trading for Matthew Stafford.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Rumor: 49ers among teams still interested in trading for Maxx Crosby
Could the San Francisco 49ers make a move for star pass rusher Maxx Crosby? The Las Vegas Raiders attempted to trade Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens earlier this offseason, but the deal ultimately fell apart after Baltimore backed out. The 49ers have frequently been mentioned... -
49ers' Kyle Juszczyk reveals encouraging George Kittle update, praises Mike Evans, minicamp decision
On Saturday, San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk joined "The Insiders" on NFL Network and discussed where he believes the team currently stands, as well as some of his teammates. How is TE George Kittle coming along in his rehab from a torn Achilles? How does WR Mike... -
Donte Whitner believes 49ers' signing of Ashtyn Davis is a threat to Ji'Ayir Brown's starting role
When the San Francisco 49ers signed veteran safety Ashtyn Davis last week, the move didn't create the same buzz as some of the team's bigger offseason additions. But one former 49ers defensive player believes the signing could have a much bigger impact than many expect,... -
49ers mourn the passing of former LB Aldon Smith
The San Francisco 49ers have issued the following statement following the passing of former linebacker Aldon Smith. "We are devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith. Aldon's undeniable talent and sheer dominance on the field were on display from the moment...