Matthew Stafford trade rumors: 5 teams to watch
The Detroit Lions and Matthew Stafford have reportedly agreed to part ways via trade. These are the five teams who should be calling.
5. Denver Broncos
Denver is an interesting team to watch. Stafford is a big, strong-armed quarterback who is the type former general manager John Elway loves. And while Elway isn’t picking the players anymore, he still has a ton of sway in that building. If Denver decided to go all in for Stafford, it would immediately be a playoff contender provided Courtland Sutton comes back at full health for 2021.
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4. Washington Football Team
Another intriguing landing spot. Washington could create ample cap space to bring Matthew Stafford in, by moving on from veteran quarterback Alex Smith. The Football Team won the rancid NFC East at 7-9 this year, and by bringing in Stafford and perhaps a few offensive upgrades in free agency and the draft, could be substantially better in 2021. The trade would signify a return to true relevance for Washington.
3. San Francisco 49ers
This is where things start to heat up. The 49ers could absolutely move on from Jimmy Garoppolo, something they were willing to do last year when Tom Brady was on the market. San Francisco would save a whopping $23.4 million by releasing him, which would go a long way towards paying Stafford’s $33 million cap hit in 2021. Landing Stafford would instantly make the 49ers a top-tier team once more, pairing him with tight end George Kittle and receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel.
Read: DeShaun Watson – Jets Must Do Anything For Trade
2. New England Patriots
How could the Patriots and head coach Bill Belichick not be calling non-stop? New England went a very disappointing 6-10 this year, while Cam Newton struggled to throw the ball. All told, Newton finished the campaign with a meager eight touchdown passes, and now he enters free agency. The Patriots desperately need to add weapons across their offense, but nothing matters without a quality quarterback. Belichick, who turns 69 years old in April, might be looking for an immediate answer.
1. Indianapolis Colts
Nobody would argue this as the most logical spot. The Colts have the second-most cap space in the NFL at $65 million, only trailing the Jacksonville Jaguars in said regard. Indianapolis would likely have to part with its second consecutive first-round pick, but who cares? Last year, general manager dealt it away for defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, who paid huge dividends. If Indy acquired Stafford and added a weapon on the outside, it would be a contender in the AFC.
