In an agreement the two sides discussed and mutually agreed to, quarterback Matthew Stafford must not return to Lions this off-season, with Detroit listening to exchange offers starting this week, league sources told ESPN on Saturday.
With new general manager Brad Holmes and new coach Dan Campbell now in place, Lions will soon begin business discussions that will most likely result in a new defender for the team – largely influenced by who and what Detroit will receive in exchange for Stafford, sources told ESPN.
Lions should be given at least one choice in the first round, league sources said.
Stafford approached the Lions about whether a negotiation would be in the best interests of both parties, but the franchise has postponed that discussion until it has completed its technical and GM searches, an ESPN source told Michael Rothstein.
Holmes and Campbell were told before they were hired that negotiating with Stafford might be a possibility, sources told ESPN. Stafford then received a call with his superiors – including Campbell and Holmes – later this week and a decision was made to seek a deal, a source told Rothstein.
Stafford, who has not won the playoffs in his 12 seasons with Lions, is expected to bring a nice return for several reasons. He turns 33 in March, has two years left on a friendly contract that is expected to pay him $ 43 million – $ 20 million this year and $ 23 million next year – and is still one of the most talented defenders in the League .
He has started 165 games for Lions since he was first placed in the 2009 draft, completing 62.6% of his passes for 45,109 yards, 282 touchdowns and 144 interceptions. He led 38 winning attempts during his career and 31 comebacks in the fourth quarter – becoming one of the best defenders in the league’s history.
He is tied for eighth at all times in winning attempts and seventh in twists in the fourth period.
Stafford becomes the last of a long line of defenders who should be available this off-season.
In addition to Stafford being in the commercial block, Houston may be forced into the same situation with Deshaun Watson, and Philadelphia may decide to leave Carson Wentz.
Indianapolis needs to replace newly retired Philip Rivers, and New Orleans, Pittsburgh and Washington may be facing similar situations with Drew Brees, Ben Roethlisberger and Alex Smith, respectively.
Carolina will explore her options in the position and there are lingering quarterback doubts with teams like Denver, Chicago and San Francisco.
The free agent class is scheduled to include quarterbacks Dak Prescott, Andy Dalton, Cam Newton, Mitchell Trubisky, Jameis Winston, Tyrod Taylor, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jacoby Brissett, Colt McCoy and Nate Sudfeld.
Stafford is from Texas and may be interested in being traded at home, but there is expected to be significant interest in Detroit’s longtime quarterback, sources told ESPN.
What Detroit can receive will help define the direction of the franchise in an attempt to replace Stafford.
The two sides should separate on good terms, with both sides recognizing that it is better to go in a different direction, sources told ESPN.
Stafford has spent 12 seasons with Lions, without winning a playoff game on three trips – joining a list that includes Jim Hart, Kenny Anderson and Archie Manning as the only defenders to spend 10 seasons in a city without a playoff victory .