Report: Stafford nixed trade to Panthers, pushed to join Rams

The Carolina Panthers nearly had a deal in place to acquire Matthew Stafford from the Detroit Lions before the quarterback stepped in and told his former team he wanted to join the Los Angeles Rams, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

The Panthers reportedly moved aggressively to land Stafford in late January, offering the Lions a first-round pick and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. Many involved in trade talks assumed the Panthers would eventually acquire Stafford, Rapoport adds.

Stafford's initial choices for a new team reportedly included the Rams, Indianapolis Colts, and San Francisco 49ers. But after consulting with his family, he apparently made clear to the Lions he wanted to play for the Rams once talks with the Panthers heated up.

The veteran's veto of a deal with the Panthers reportedly caused the Rams to up their offer. Los Angeles eventually sent Jared Goff and two first-round picks to Detroit.

Other offers for Stafford reportedly included multiple high picks from teams including the Colts, Denver Broncos, and the Washington Football Team. The Chicago Bears and the 49ers were also in the mix, though the latter never made a formal offer, Rapoport notes.

Stafford likely would have blocked any deal that didn't send him to the Rams, a source told Rapoport.

The 33-year-old is set to make his first start for Los Angeles on Sunday night against the Bears.

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