The Detroit Lions had no shortage of suitors when it comes to teams asking about quarterback Matthew Stafford’s negotiation. About a third of the league contacted Lions to discuss a possible tradeoff involving the veteran quarterback, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Lions are likely to receive at least one future choice in the first round in exchange for Stafford for Rapoport. Earlier this week, we shared the five most likely trade adjustments for Stafford.
After 12 seasons together, Stafford and the Lions mutually agreed to part ways through the exchange. Lions coach Matt Campbell and general manager Matt Holmes, who were hired earlier this month, knew before they were hired that Lions planned to negotiate Stafford, who still has two years left under his current contract. The 32-year-old quarterback is coming out of a 2020 season in which he completed 64.2% of his passes for 4,084 yards and 26 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Stafford, the leader of the Lions franchise in almost all categories of career passes, was nominated for his one and only Pro Bowl in 2014. Twice NFL leader in passing attempts, Stafford is one of eight quarterbacks in league history 5,000 yards to be replaced in one season. Stafford took Lions into postseason in 2011, 2014 and 2016. Detroit lost each of its playoff games under Stafford, and is still looking for its first postseason win since 1991.
Lions have been through tough times in the past three seasons. During that period, Detroit recorded a record of 14-33-1. The Lions’ lack of success led them to fire Matt Patricia with five games left in the 2020 regular season.
What can Lions receive in exchange for Stafford? Our own Cody Benjamin recently projected that a choice in the first and third rounds would be appropriate compensation for Stafford. Chris Trapasso made the football team give up his choice in the first round to acquire Stafford in his latest mock draft.
Stafford is not the only established quarterback whose future is not yet known. Deshaun Watson has publicly expressed his frustration with the Texans, who have faced a tumultuous off-season that includes the controversial hiring of general manager Nick Caserio. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has yet to officially decide whether or not to return to Pittsburgh for the 18th season. Aaron Rodgers’ somewhat enigmatic comments immediately after Green Bay’s defeat in the NFC title game to Tampa Bay led to questions about his future with the Packers.