The NFL’s offseason quarterback market added yet another domino over the weekend, with Matthew Stafford eyeing a fresh start.
As Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network reported over the weekend, Stafford and the Detroit Lions agreed to part ways with each other after the veteran quarterback expressed his desire for an exchange. And I understand why he wants to leave. Since being named first overall by Lions in the 2009 NFL Draft, Stafford has played for three main coaches (four, if you include interim coach Darrell Bevell, who replaced Matt Patricia during the 2020 season) over 12 seasons, going 0-3 in playoff appearances. And if he stayed in Detroit, he would be operating under yet another new front office coaching regime, with Lions hiring Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes.
The 32-year-old has struggled with several injuries in recent years and comes from his third straight losing streak. Still, knowing that signage users are now approaching 40, I believe there will be a competitive market for a relatively young Stafford player. In 2020, he presented an impressive line of statistics (4,084 passing yards, 26 passing touchdowns and 10 choices in 16 games), while showing that his arm strength is the best ever. It also moves much better than most believe.
Now, Stafford can’t just walk away, because his current business is two years away, worth $ 43 million. Any team that acquires it in a negotiation will have to think about the limit reached, although there is a possibility that its contract will be restructured if it lands elsewhere.
Lions are in rebuild mode, with a new team installed, and will require a lot of money (or rather, a bunch of recruiting options) in return, and I can’t blame them. Just look at some other comparable deals from the past 10 years. Carson Palmer, 31, was worth a choice in the first and second rounds in 2011; an inconsistent and injured Sam Bradford was worth a first and fourth round in 2016; and a stable Alex Smith was worth a third rounder and cornerback Kendall Fuller in 2018. I would give up more for Stafford than any of those players ordered; with the current rate apparently increasing for valuable players each year, I really would be the crazy person who would trade first three rounds for him. OK, I know it can be a little steep, but there are so many unknowns when it comes to preparing a quarterback. There would be no question about what I would receive with Stafford.
Stafford has played in several offensives with several coordinators / attackers and his game has remained relatively consistent. He was played in many different scenarios and proved that he can succeed, no matter how difficult the situation.
Below, I have provided a list of six potential landing sites for Stafford – from most likely to least – along with potential commercial packages.