The resignation of franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford should have had a negative impact on the Detroit Lions in the short term. This is part of the reconstruction project plan developed by the new GM Brad Holmes and his staff.
So far, outside of this season, no NFL team has had a greater impact on the winning column than the Lions have, agreeing to trade Stafford at the Rams for QB Jared Goff. The compensation project that will come to Detroit in the transaction is not yet part of the Pro Football Focus “win over replacement” evaluation for the product on the field.
Rams tops the list of the best in terms of addition to WAR, almost entirely in the form of Stafford who took on the role of Goff in Sean McVay’s offensive. The lions are at the other end of the list.
It will be interesting to review the WAR additions / subtractions once the free agency starts on March 17th. Hopefully the Lions will make some positive additions to make up for the massive loss of Stafford and free agency receivers who are also expected to leave.