It was only a matter of time before Matthew Stafford’s trade market started taking shape.
And according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, a crowded field of suitors awaits:
From @GMFB: A look at QBs who could be on the move, with #Rams QB Jared Goff entering the fray, the #Lions getting immediate and significant interest and calls on Matthew Stafford over the weekend, and teams still calling the #Texans on Deshaun Watson. pic.twitter.com/ttLc7iFXHq
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 27, 2021
“From what I understand, about a third of the league — almost a third of the league — has called the Lions,” Rapoport reports. “Significant interest in Matthew Stafford. Should be able to get at least a first-rounder there from wherever he goes.”
The ball started rolling on a mutual parting of ways over the weekend. That’s when reports surfaced suggesting that Stafford would request a trade out of Detroit instead of participating in yet another franchise rebuild. I can’t say I blame him. Through his age 32 season, Stafford has played the part of top tier quarterback. And has done so despite a lack of stability from coaches and management, as well as a lack of skill position players around him. Clearly, there are a hunk of teams who see it that way too. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be a dozen or so teams checking in with the Lions regarding his availability. And with nearly two dozen teams conceivably in the market to change quarterbacks, all of this vibes.
At this point, you’re probably wondering where this leaves the Bears. The bad news is that the Lions won’t likely trade Matthew Stafford to a division rival. Because even if Chicago put forth the best offer, it’s difficult to imagine Detroit wanting to face its one-time face of the franchise twice a year. But on the other hand, Stafford’s departure could would take another team out of the market for a more realistic option for the Bears to possibly acquire. Then again, it thrusts the Lions into a place to draft a quarterback. Guh! It’s always something, isn’t it?
In the end, even if the Bears wanted Matthew Stafford, the fact that SO much of the league has already kicked the tires in some way makes it all the less likely that the Lions would seriously consider dealing him to Chicago. Bummer.