Matthew Stafford Era in Detroit likely finished as QB star requests trade

The Matthew Stafford era in Detroit seems to be coming to an end.

After meetings over the past few weeks in which Stafford has expressed a desire for a fresh start, the Lions have understood his position and intend to begin discussing trade options in the coming weeks for their quarterback. featured, according to sources.

The teams have had open and healthy discussions since the end of the season. But with the Lions starting over, hiring Dan Campbell as head coach and Brad Holmes as general manager, Stafford told the team he believes now is the right time to move on and those responsible for the team agreed, the sources said.

The Lions also own the 7th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and are well positioned to maneuver and target their next franchise quarterback. The team have just made a long-term commitment to Campbell on a six-year contract. Holmes was awarded a five-year contract.

No.1 pick in the 2009 draft, Stafford spent his entire 12-year career in Detroit, setting franchise records with 45,109 passing yards and 282 touchdown passes while playing through a myriad of injuries under three coaches in different leader (four including interim coach Darrell Bevell last season) and only made three playoff appearances without a win.

Despite Stafford’s age and injury history, there will be a strong trading market if the Lions are willing to move him. He has two years and $ 43 million left on his contract – a great price for a quarterback who still plays at a high level. Among others, the Broncos, Colts, Panthers, Patriots, Saints and Washington Football Team enter 2021 with important QB questions.

Any trade would likely take place before the fifth day of the 2021 league year in March, when Stafford is due to receive a $ 10 million bonus. The Lions would take $ 19 million of dead money over their salary cap in 2021, but a trade would save $ 14 million in cap space and $ 20 million in cash at a time when the salary cap in the NFL is expected to drop.

Stafford started all 16 games last season despite injuries to his ribs, right thumb, ankle and neck. None of those injuries are expected to require off-season surgery, a source said.