NFL Player News

Stafford was traded to the Rams for Jared Goff, two first-round draft picks and a third-round pick Saturday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

In a blockbuster trade, the Rams sent the 2016 first overall pick to Detroit in exchange for the 2009 first overall pick. Turning 33 years old in February, Stafford is coming off a quality 2020 campaign, as he completed 64 percent of his passes for 4,084 yards (7.7 YPA), 26 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Stafford should start immediately in Los Angeles. The situation out West will be far better than it was in the Motor City. He'll be equipped with star receivers Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp, young running backs Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson and a sturdy offensive line.

The Rams have reportedly "explored the possibilities" of potentially acquiring Stafford, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

That said, the Rams still have fellow QB Jared Goff under contract, so it's unclear how their reported interest in Stafford might play out. In any case, it looks like they've join the ranks of NFL franchises who might consider making a run at Stafford, who's in line to mutually part ways with the Lions. With that in mind, Fowler notes that "NFL teams started reaching out to the Lions about (the veteran signal caller) earlier this week."

Texans GM Nick Caserio said he has "zero interest" in trading Watson, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Watson requested a trade earlier in January, and a recent report from Adam Schefter of ESPN suggests the hiring of head coach David Culley isn't likely to change the quarterback's mind. It sounds like the Texans will continue their attempt to mend the relationship, hoping to convince Watson that things will be different under a new coaching staff and front office. The Watson/Texans saga will be the biggest story of the 2021 NFL offseason.

Watson requested a trade a few weeks ago, and he isn't expected to change his mind after the Texans hired David Culley as their new head coach, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Watson is frustrated with the direction (or lack thereof) of the organization, so he's hoping to force a trade despite signing a four-year, $156 million extension in September. The Texans could try to play hardball and convince him to stay, but it seems more likely that they'll explore trade possibilities, as Watson appears set on leaving. Potential suitors include the Dolphins, Jets, Panthers, Broncos and 49ers.

The Rams may give Wolford (neck) a chance to compete with Jared Goff for the starting quarterback role in 2021, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The 25-year-old Wolford saw his first NFL action Week 17, leading the Rams to an 18-7 victory over the Cardinals to clinch a playoff spot. He picked up another start in place of Goff (thumb) in the wild-card round victory over Seattle, but he left that game early after taking a big hit to the neck from a defender. While his brief stint under center was less than spectacular, Wolford seems to have made a strong impression on the Rams, potentially setting him up for a job battle in training camp.

Goff could face competition from John Wolford for the Rams' starting quarterback job in training camp, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Goff's name keeps popping up in the NFL rumor mill, in part because Rams head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead both declined to commit to the 26-year-old when reporters asked about his future with the team, according to Kevin Modesti of The Orange County Register. A full guarantee on his 2021 base salary ensures Goff won't be released this offseason, but the Rams could still try to trade him if they believe he's maxed out as a league-average starter. Of course, they might not be able to generate any outside interest, considering Goff has four years and approximately $107 million remaining on his contract, including more than $43 million guaranteed. While his massive contract is far from ideal from the team's standpoint, Goff will still be a strong favorite to win the starting job if it comes down to a summer battle between him and Wolford.

Mullens (elbow) avoided Tommy John surgery and should be healthy for the start of training camp, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Mullens did have surgery on his injured right elbow in late December, but he avoided the famous procedure that often causes MLB pitchers to miss entire seasons. He can become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, while fellow 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo has been oft-mentioned as a potential cap casualty. Of course, the Niners presumably will try to find someone better than Mullens if they do end up moving on from Garoppolo.

Rodgers expects to stay with the Packers for 2021, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports. "I don't think that there's any reason why I wouldn't be back, but there's not many absolutes in this business," Rodgers said Tuesday.

While an MVP award may not be enough to stop trade rumors, it doesn't sound like 2021 will mark the beginning of the Jordan Love era in Green Bay. Packers CEO Mark Murphy was emphatic earlier this week when a radio host asked him about the QB situation, saying "there's no way in heck Aaron is not gonna be on the Packers," per NFL.com. That doesn't necessarily mean Rodgers will stay with the Packers through the end of his contract in 2023, but he'll likely stay put for at least one more season.

Allen completed 28 of 48 pass attempts for 287 yards, two touchdowns and an interception while rushing for 88 yards on seven carries in Sunday's 38-24 loss to the Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game.

Allen made one of the greatest one-year leaps in progression we've ever witnessed from his second to third campaign. The rising star improved his completion percentage 10 points (59 to 69 percent) while posting MVP-level passing numbers in 2020, but the quarterback we saw on the field Sunday was closer to the inferior 2018/2019 versions, even though he clearly battled hard until the end. Allen was under duress in the pocket and forced some inaccurate throws when he wasn't straight up getting sacked (four sacks for a combined loss of 53 yards). The 24-year-old tried to get the offense going with his legs, as his 88 rushing yards represented a new season high. The Bills were outclassed by the Chiefs on both sides of the ball, and that all shouldn't fall on just the quarterback, but Allen didn't perform up to the expectations he set after a tremendous overall season. How the young gunslinger responds to the sting of defeat ultimately may determine which direction his development moves in his fourth year as a pro, but Buffalo fans and fantasy managers have to feel optimistic after witnessing the overwhelmingly positive results Allen displayed this season.

Mahomes completed 29 of 38 pass attempts for 325 yards and three touchdowns, adding five carries for five yards during Sunday's 38-24 win against the Bills in the AFC Championship Game.

By virtue of Kansas City's 22-17 win over Cleveland in the divisional round, Mahomes garnered the opportunity to become the first quarterback in NFL history to start three conference title games in his first four seasons in the league. He had to overcome a case of turf toe and a stint in the NFL's concussion protocol to earn his 17th start of the season. After exiting in the third quarter of last Sunday's win over the Browns, Mahomes proved capable of doing just that. Kansas City remained without starting right tackle Mitchell Schwartz (back) for the AFC Championship Game, while Eric Fisher (Achilles) departed during the contest and was unable to return. Still, Buffalo generated only one sack of Mahomes, as the Chiefs were 5-for-6 in converting red-zone opportunities into TDs. The 25-year-old gets his second Super Bowl appearance in as many seasons as he prepares for a fifth career game against Tom Brady. Mahomes is 2-2 in head-to-head matchups with Brady, who will make the 10th Super Bowl appearance of his illustrious career during his debut season in Tampa Bay.