Matthew Stafford may have a new home before the end of the NFL season.
Interest in the Lions’ star defender is significant and an exchange is expected before the Super Bowl, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Saturday.
Detroit has sought to deal with its old face of the franchise after it expressed a desire for a new start elsewhere. Tom Pelissero, of the NFL Network, reported last week that Stafford and the Lions had had healthy discussions in the past few weeks about their exchange request. Now Detroit, whose new regime is finally in place, is in talks with other teams.
“It’s very hot and heavy now,” coach Dan Campbell told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “We have some offers and it looks like we have some business partners, we are just trying to find the best scenario and see what is best for us, after all.”
One of the most prodigious passers-by of the past decade will certainly have his suitors. A week before turning 33, Stafford is only two years old and $ 43 million left in his contract. And after 12 years at Motor City, it looks like he still has a lot of tread in his tires. Former former No. 1 played 4,084 yards and 26 touchdowns with 10 interceptions in 2020. His completion percentage (64.2), yards per attempt (7.7) and passer rating (96.3) were all above his career average.
The time for a deal couldn’t be better. Several teams in the league have questions to answer in the quarterback, including some candidates. The Stafford move is expected to generate even more start-up capital for a Lions organization that already has choice # 7 in 2021.