Lions General Manager Brad Holmes reflects on one of the most significant trades in NFL history—sending Matthew Stafford to the Rams in exchange for Jared Goff and two first-round picks. Initially, when Stafford led the Rams to a Super Bowl win, it seemed the Rams had come out ahead. However, three years later, with the Lions claiming back-to-back NFC North titles, it’s clear both teams benefited.
Holmes, who had worked with the Rams before joining Detroit, expressed his unwavering belief in Goff. On PFT Live, Holmes stated, “I always had more optimism than the outside world because I knew Jared intimately, from his early success to the work we did together before the draft. Even after the Rams lost the Super Bowl, people were quick to write him off, but I knew he still had so much potential.”
Despite the Lions’ rough first season with Holmes, a 3-13-1 record following the trade, he never doubted Goff’s growth. He praised his former Rams colleagues—Les Snead, Sean McVay, and Kevin Demoff—for their success but acknowledged that his efforts also played a role in their victory. “I had a feeling they’d achieve big things with Stafford, and while it was tough, I was happy for them,” Holmes said.
Now, as the Lions thrive under Goff’s leadership, Holmes’ faith in him might just be the key to bringing Detroit its first Super Bowl.
