Lions asked for Aaron Donald in Matthew Stafford trade?

Of course the Lions wanted Aaron Donald. Who wouldn't want Aaron Donald? Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Lions asked Rams for Aaron Donald in trade for Matthew Stafford

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 2/7/21

It appears the Detroit Lions made a rather bold request from the Los Angeles Rams when Matthew Stafford trade talks began between the two sides.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Lions asked the Rams for three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald in exchange for Stafford.

When trade talks began between the Rams and Lions, the first player Detroit requested in a trade for QB Matthew Stafford was DT Aaron Donald, per sources. Rams told Lions, that's not happening, before the two sides later figured out the eventual compensation package. https://t.co/blGUo3f47y
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 7, 2021

Of course, that was never going to happen. Donald is way too valuable to the Rams and has been a staple in the franchise's defense since 2014.

In the end, L.A. traded Jared Goff, two first-round picks and a third-rounder for Stafford.

For the time being, the Rams got better and sacrificed much of their future to do so. L.A. hasn't made a first-round pick since 2016, when it selected Goff.

If the Rams want to get a first-round pick back in the future, then maybe Donald will be on the table. For now, he'll remain a key piece in L.A.'s top-ranked defense.

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