Here’s Why The Detroit Lions Are Trading Matt Stafford

Updated: January 24, 2021

The Stafford era is over in Detroit. That is right, the Detroit football team has leaked plans to trade the veteran signal caller for a first round pick in the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft.

I’m not sure what the Lions will do at QB but to get draft capital for a player that is not long for organization is always a good deal. Is this a dark horse Deshaun Watson team? We’ll see how it all shakes out.

Here are the details:

In an arrangement the two sides have discussed and mutually agreed upon, quarterback Matthew Stafford is expected to not return to the Lions this offseason, with Detroit listening to trade offers starting this week, league sources told ESPN on Saturday.

With new general manager Brad Holmes and new head coach Dan Campbell now in place, the Lions will soon begin trade discussions that most likely will result in a new quarterback for the team — largely influenced by what and who Detroit will get in exchange for Stafford, sources told ESPN.

The Lions are expected to receive at least a first-round pick, league sources said.

Indianapolis needs to replace the recently retired Philip Rivers, and New Orleans, Pittsburgh and Washington may be facing similar situations with Drew Brees, Ben Roethlisberger and Alex Smith, respectively.

Carolina will explore its options at the position, and there are lingering quarterback questions with teams such as Denver and San Francisco.