Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is expected to trade before the Super Bowl LV on February 7, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.
Trade negotiations got “hot and heavy” for Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, according to Dave Birkett of Detroit Free Press. Lions coach Dan Campbell outlined his vision for the Detroit quarterback after Stafford.
Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network reported on January 23 that Stafford wanted a fresh start. When the Detroit season ended, Stafford told the team that he felt it was the right time to move on and the team officials agreed, according to Pelissero.
Stafford, who turns 33 in a week, has two years and $ 43 million left in his contract. He shot for 4,084 yards and 26 touchdowns with 10 interceptions, while his completion percentage (64.2), yards per attempt (7.7) and passer rating (96.3) were all above his career average.
Among the teams seeing Stafford are the Los Angeles Rams, the San Francisco 49ers, the Indianapolis Colts, the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots. Rapoport also reported that the Stafford move could generate more draft capital for the Lions organization, a franchise that holds the 7th overall choice in the NFL’s 2021 Draft.
While teams can agree to deals now, negotiations cannot become official until the league’s new year begins in March.
Stafford spent all 12 years of his NFL season with Detroit. Stafford has a career record of 74-90-1 and has taken the Lions into the playoffs three times. He is still looking for his first win in the postseason.