The quarterback carousel could spin faster in the NFL this coming summer than it has for a long time. And it will probably not just be a few ailing Journeymen riding along, but also really big names. Deshaun Watson is right at the front of the line, but another star will soon fit under the new zip code. Matthew Stafford asked his Detroit Lions for a trade – and there are several NFL teams he would look good on!
In order to get a trade off for Matthew Stafford, potential buyers will have to put together a proper trade package. After all, the Detroit Lions herald a new beginning with the change of their franchise player, which would like to accelerate with additional draft picks and young players. You are likely to receive some interesting offers, not least because you rarely get a top professional in your prime quarterback age in the NFL offseason display.
Stafford has been delivering outstanding numbers for the Lions for over a decade (282 touchdowns at 144 interceptions, over 45,000 passing yards) and has also proven that he can lead a team to the playoffs (2011, 2014, 2016). But he never succeeded in the whole big hit, and the victory record of his NFL career is more than expandable with only 74 successes from 168 starts. Many experts attribute this to the mediocre team leadership at best in the Motor City rather than to the winning qualities of the former Number One Pick. What is certain is that many teams will think about the Gunslinger in the offseason and at least call through Detroit. The following are definitely included:
San Francisco 49ers
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is considered by many to be a weak point in the otherwise prominent Niners squad despite his Super Bowl run a good year ago. The team is in win-now mode and the last epidemic season, in which professionals with injuries were out almost every day, is said to have been just a slip.
Stafford could give San Francisco a new face in offense and would harmonize perfectly with Kyle Shanahan’s strong running game. The combination would be ideal for a variety of reasons. And even if they don’t have an infinite amount to offer, the 49ers should also get enough trade capital.
New England Patriots
The experiment with Cam Newton failed with timpani and trumpets, now it could be that NFL legend Bill Belichick tries it with another experienced, prominent signal caller. He definitely has enough information about Stafford, because ex-Lions coach Matt Patricia is back in Foxborough after his failed interlude in Michigan.
Some rumor that Patricia and Stafford shouldn’t have had the best relationship, but that shouldn’t be overestimated for a potential deal. There’s more quality in the Patriots squad than they were able to show last season and maybe Belichick will do whatever it takes to take the AFC East crown back next season.
Indianapolis Colts
Goodbye Philip Rivers, hello Matthew Stafford? It couldn’t go any better for the Indianapolis Colts. The squad is well staffed on many levels, has a solid offensive line, a deep defense and some good playmakers. What is missing after Rivers’ retirement is a leader in the quarterback position.
This is exactly what the seven-year-old Stafford could give and thus keep the Colts’ win window open, maybe even open it up after they won eleven games last year. The 21st pick in the upcoming NFL Draft would be a solid starter for a trade package and after two playoffs in the past three years, Indy is definitely more interested in today than tomorrow. That is, future picks could quickly land on the table.
Washington Football Team
Martin Mayhew, the new general manager of the football team, held the same position for the Detroit Lions from 2008 to 2015. It was he who made Matthew Stafford the first overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. So that the two are familiar with each other would be an understatement.
The Washington Football Team was one of the big surprises this season and the roster is teeming with young talent. When it comes to signal callers, Head Coach Ron Rivera faces a big question mark, which a Matthew Stafford would answer in no time at all.
Denver Broncos
Also for the Broncos, George Paton, a new general manager, is in charge of this offseason and after Drew Lock’s weak 2020 season he will certainly hear what Detroit wants for Matthew Stafford. In Denver, many see the squad stronger than their record last year would suggest, and a seasoned NFL quarterback would help many of the young playmakers such as Jerry Jeudy or Noah Fant.
Denver also has the deepest pockets of trade capital compared to many other trade candidates. They have the ninth pick in the upcoming draft, which is sure to make the Lions sit up and take notice. There are also a number of young players on the team of the Mile High franchise, some of whom could be of interest to Detroit.
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