Colts missed chance to trade for Matthew Stafford in 2021
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 20, 2026, 3:45 AM
Last updated Oct 20, 2026
On October 20, 2026, news surfaced that the Indianapolis Colts could have acquired quarterback Matthew Stafford in 2021 instead of the Los Angeles Rams. Stafford was willing to approve a trade to the Colts; however, general manager Chris Ballard did not match the Rams' offer. The Colts opted to trade for Carson Wentz instead, leading to a disappointing 9-8 season without playoff qualification. The missed opportunity highlights the longstanding quarterback issue for Indianapolis, following Andrew Luck's retirement.
- •Colts fired GM Chris Ballard on October 20, 2026.
- •Stafford agreed to a trade to the Colts in 2021.
- •Colts traded for Wentz and finished 9-8, missing playoffs.
- •Stafford helped Rams win the Super Bowl in 2022.
- •The Colts drafted defensive end Kwity Paye instead of acquiring Stafford.
- 3:45 AMYahoo Sports — What if the Colts had traded for Stafford instead of the Rams?
"What if the Colts had traded for Matthew Stafford instead of the Rams?
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