The Matthew Stafford era in Detroit seems to be coming to an end.
After meetings in the past few weeks in which Stafford expressed a desire for a new start, Lions understood their position and plan to start discussing business options in the coming weeks for their star defender, according to sources.
The sides have had open and healthy discussions since the end of the season. But with Lions starting again, hiring Dan Campbell as coach and Brad Holmes as general manager, Stafford told the team that he feels this is the right time to move on and officials have agreed, according to sources.
Lions also hold the seventh overall choice in the NFL’s 2021 Draft and are well positioned to maneuver and target their next franchise QB. The team just made a long-term commitment to Campbell with a six-year contract. Holmes made a five-year contract.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 draft, Stafford spent his entire 12-year career in Detroit, setting franchise records with 45,109 passing yards and 282 touchdown passes while playing through a myriad of injuries under three different coaches (four including interim coaches) coach Darrell Bevell last season) and making just three games in the playoffs without winning.
Despite Stafford’s age and history of injuries, it is estimated that there will be a strong commercial market if Lions are willing to move it. He has two years and $ 43 million left on his contract – a bargain price for a quarterback who is still playing at a high level. Among others, the Broncos, Colts, Panthers, Patriots, Saints and the Washington Football Team enter 2021 with significant QB issues.
Any negotiations would likely take place before the fifth day of the 2021 league year in March, when Stafford will receive a $ 10 million bonus on the list. Lions would carry $ 19 million in dead money on their salary cap in 2021, but a negotiation would generate savings of $ 14 million in roof space and $ 20 million in cash at a time when the NFL’s salary cap is expected to fall.
Stafford started all 16 games last season, despite suffering injuries to his rib, right thumb, ankle and neck. None of these injuries will require off-season surgery, a source said.