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What if the Colts had traded for Stafford instead of the Rams?

The Indianapolis Colts’ recent firing of general manager Chris Ballard has reignited speculation about a pivotal 2021 trade decision that could have reshaped the franchise’s future. According to reports, the Colts had a chance to acquire Matthew Stafford from the Detroit Lions, but ultimately fell short in negotiations with the Los Angeles Rams, who secured the quarterback with Jared Goff, two first-round picks, and additional assets.

Instead, Indianapolis landed Carson Wentz in a trade that cost them a 2021 third-round pick and a conditional 2022 first-round pick—one that later became the 16th overall selection, used by Washington on Jahan Dotson. The trade left the Colts without a long-term solution at quarterback, as Wentz would later back up Stafford in Los Angeles in 2023.

Ballard’s offer reportedly included a 2021 first-round pick (21st overall, used on Kwity Paye) and other draft capital, but it didn’t match the Rams’ package, which included two first-rounders and Goff. Had the Colts outbid the Rams, they might have paired Stafford with a young defense like Paye and a coaching staff led by Frank Reich, potentially altering the trajectory of the franchise after Andrew Luck’s retirement.

The missed opportunity underscores how high-stakes quarterback trades often hinge on draft capital and roster flexibility. The Rams’ deal for Stafford was bold, mirroring other blockbuster trades like the Browns’ three first-rounders for Deshaun Watson or the Broncos’ two firsts and two seconds for Russell Wilson.

For the Colts, the choice between Stafford and Wentz—along with the draft picks involved—reflects a moment where a single decision could have defined a front office’s legacy. With Stafford now a key piece of the Rams’ playoff push, the ‘what if’ scenario remains a defining ‘almost’ in modern NFL history.

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