Rams traded 3rd-round compensatory pick for Stafford, not No. 88 overall

The Rams and Lions both announced their blockbuster Jared Goff-Matthew Stafford trade on Thursday morning, making the deal official. After the deal was announced, two key details were revealed.

The Rams paid Goff’s $2.5 million roster bonus, driving up his dead cap charge to $24.7 million, but they also saved a few draft spots in the third round this year. According to the NFL transaction wire, the Rams actually traded one of their two third-round compensatory picks in the deal, not their original third-rounder.

So instead of giving the Lions No. 88 overall, they will send Detroit either No. 101 or 103. When the trade was originally reported, it was believed that the Rams traded the 88th overall pick, but they’ll now save 13-15 spots, depending on which compensatory pick they agreed to trade.

The Rams’ two compensatory picks came from losing Dante Fowler Jr. (No. 101) in free agency last year, and for the Lions hiring Brad Holmes (No. 103). They will also get a third-round compensatory pick next year for losing Holmes.

So as of now, the Rams’ first three picks will be at No. 57, No. 88 and either No. 101 or 103.