Rams' Sean McVay makes feelings about Lions' Jared Goff clear after previous rumors

The relationship between Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay and quarterback Jared Goff was allegedly "not great" in the months leading up to the Rams sending Goff to the Detroit Lions via a trade that landed Los Angeles Matthew Stafford in March 2021.  

McVay's 10-3 Rams will host Goff's 8-5 Lions in Week 15. During his latest media availability, McVay spoke quite highly about his former QB1. 

Sean McVay knows Jared Goff has been "great" for Lions

"I see outstanding maturity," McVay said about Goff, per Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. "I see outstanding growth and ownership. You can see they give him a lot of things at the line of scrimmage, like mike-point IDs, calling multiple plays, and getting in and out of the right looks, whether that be in the run game or in the pass game, unbelievable accuracy and anticipation. Jared’s played really great."

Stafford ultimately guided the Rams to a Super Bowl LVI victory in February 2022, but the trade has also worked out well for the Lions. In the spring of 2024, Detroit signed Goff to a four-year contract extension that reportedly included $170M guaranteed and a no-trade clause. 

Sean McVay happy for Jared Goff

For years, Goff admitted that the trade left him with a "chip on his shoulder" and feeling "betrayed." This week, he said that it feels like his time with the Rams and the trade happened "a long time ago." 

As for McVay, he has acknowledged over the years that he wishes he had handled Goff's departure "better as a leader." McVay echoed such comments this week. 

"I’ve been very open and very clear about [how] I had a lot of growing up to do back when that thing went down," McVay added. "There were a lot of great memories and a lot of really good ball that he did here that I’ll always cherish. I’m truly happy for him. He’s married and has a beautiful little girl now. It’s awesome to see. I think I’m reminded of those things, and then you’re also reminded of when you need to be able to grow up and handle things a little bit better. I’ll never run away from that. What I’m grateful for and appreciative of is that he’s got such grace towards me and understanding. I’m happy for Jared."

As of Thursday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Rams as six-point home favorites over the Lions.