Rams trade quarterback Jared Goff to Detroit Lions for Matthew Stafford, sources say

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The Los Angeles Rams have traded quarterback Jared Goff to the Detroit Lions for quarterback Matthew Stafford, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Saturday night.

As part of the trade, the Lions will receive a third-round pick in 2021, a first-round pick in 2022 and a first-round pick in 2023, according to those sources.

The blockbuster trade of two starting quarterbacks and former No. 1 overall draft picks will provide a change of scenery for two players who probably need it.

Stafford asked to be traded shortly after the current season ended with the Lions' third straight double-digit losing record. He has been one of the NFL's most prolific passers during his 12-year career spent entirely in Detroit, but has never won a playoff game.

Meanwhile, the Rams' coaching staff and front office have publicly expressed a clear loss of confidence in Goff in recent weeks after Los Angeles earned its third playoff berth and posted its fourth straight winning record during his four years under coach Sean McVay.

Stafford, who turns 33 years old next month, has two years left on a $135 million, five-year contract.

Goff is about to begin a four-year, $135 million contract with $110 million guaranteed. He has been a steady winner since McVay's arrival, but his high propensity for turnovers and lack of improvement over the past two seasons led McVay and general manager Les Snead to speak openly of a future without Goff in recent weeks.

The familiarity of these two franchises' front offices likely helped the difficult deal: New Detroit general manager Brad Holmes just left his job as the Rams' director of college scouting under Snead.

Goff was the last first-round pick made by the Rams back in 2017. Snead has now traded away his top pick or moved back in seven consecutive drafts.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.