The 2021 season was undoubtedly one of the most thrilling in Los Angeles Rams history. Entering the year as a clear Super Bowl favorite after a blockbuster trade for Matthew Stafford, the Rams finished with a 12-5 record under his leadership, winning a championship at SoFi Stadium.
Bleacher Report writer Gary Davenport reviewed the top 10 NFL trades of the last decade, highlighting two key moves that helped the Rams secure their Super Bowl LVI victory. He re-graded each trade, and the Rams fared well in both. Here’s what Davenport said about the Stafford trade:
“In the beginning, this trade clearly favored the Rams. In his first season in Los Angeles, Stafford led the team to their first Super Bowl win. The gamble paid off immediately, which is undeniable.
However, since then, Stafford, once known for his durability, has missed significant time due to injuries. Meanwhile, Goff has revived his career, contributing to Detroit’s resurgence under head coach Dan Campbell.
The Lions used the picks from L.A. to acquire several players, including wide receiver Jameson Williams, tight end Sam LaPorta, and running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Detroit now possibly boasts the best roster in the NFC.”
The Rams received an A- for the trade, while the Lions earned an A, marking it as a rare win-win trade in NFL history. Despite the Rams’ immediate success with Stafford, Detroit’s long-term prospects with the picks from LA earned them a slightly higher grade. Jared Goff also got a chance at redemption, helping to transform a previously struggling franchise into an NFC powerhouse.
Rams GM Les Snead made another significant move during the 2021 season by acquiring future Hall of Famer Von Miller at the trade deadline. Davenport gave the Rams an A- for this trade, with the Broncos receiving a C.
“Miller recorded five sacks in the final eight regular season games and added four more in the postseason, including two in the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Although Miller moved to Buffalo the following offseason, the players the Broncos acquired with the picks (notably edge-rusher Nik Bonitto and linebacker Drew Sanders) have yet to make a significant impact.”
Miller was a short-term rental for LA, but his outstanding performance was crucial for their Super Bowl win. Both trades were successful for the Rams, and fans can look forward to what Les Snead will do next.
