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In an arrangement the two sides discussed and mutually agreed to, quarterback Matthew Stafford is not expected to return to the Lions this offseason, with Detroit listening to trade offers from this week, league sources told Saturday. ESPN.
With new general manager Brad Holmes and new head coach Dan Campbell now in place, the Lions will soon begin trade talks that will most likely result in a new quarterback for the team – largely influenced by what Detroit will get in exchange for Stafford. sources told ESPN.
The Lions are expected to receive at least one first-round pick, league sources said.
Stafford approached the Lions about the possibility of a trade being in the best interests of both parties, but the franchise has filed that discussion until the coach and GM research is complete, a source told Michael Rothstein of ‘ESPN.
Holmes and Campbell were told prior to their hiring that the Stafford trade could be a possibility, sources told ESPN. Stafford then had a call with senior officials – including Campbell and Holmes – at the end of the week and the decision was made to continue an exchange, a source told Rothstein.
Stafford, who hasn’t won a playoff in his 12 seasons with the Lions, should bring back a strong comeback for several reasons. He turns 33 in March, has two years left with a friendly contract for the team that will pay him $ 43 million – $ 20 million this year and $ 23 million next year – and he is still the one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league.
He has started 165 games for the Lions since being ranked No.1 in the 2009 draft, completing 62.6% of his passes for 45,109 yards, 282 touchdowns and 144 interceptions. He has led 38 winning practices in his career and 31 comebacks in the fourth quarter, making him one of the best quarterbacks in league history.
He is tied for eighth all-time in winning records and seventh in the fourth quarter.
Stafford becomes the latest in a long line of quarterbacks expected to be available this offseason.
In addition to Stafford in the trade block, Houston could be forced into the same situation with Deshaun Watson, and Philadelphia could decide to quit Carson Wentz.
Indianapolis is set to replace recently retired Philip Rivers, and New Orleans, Pittsburgh and Washington could face similar situations with Drew Brees, Ben Roethlisberger and Alex Smith, respectively.
Carolina will explore her options in the post and there are quarterback issues with teams like Denver and San Francisco.
The free agent class is expected to include quarterbacks Dak Prescott, Andy Dalton, Cam Newton, Mitchell Trubisky, Jameis Winston, Tyrod Taylor, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jacoby Brissett, Colt McCoy and Nate Sudfeld.
Stafford is from Texas and could be interested in being traded home, but there should be significant interest in the longtime Detroit quarterback, sources told ESPN.
What Detroit can recover will help define the direction the franchise will take in trying to replace Stafford.
The two sides are expected to part ways on good terms, with both sides recognizing that it is better to go in a different direction, sources told ESPN.
Stafford spent 12 seasons with the Lions, failing to win a playoff game in three trips – joining a roster that includes Jim Hart, Kenny Anderson and Archie Manning as the only quarterbacks to have spent 10 seasons in a city without a playoff win.
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