Matthew Stafford trade is best for him and Lions
The Detroit Lions are reportedly on the verge of trading Matthew Stafford. At this juncture, it’s best for all parties involved to move on.
Breakups are usually ugly. One side typically wants to move a bit more than the other. It’s called mutual, but it rarely is.
In the case of 32-year-old quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Detroit Lions, this is about as mutual as it gets. The Lions desperately need to reset, and now have a new regime in the building. Head coach Dan Campbell received a six-year contract, and he hired wisely with offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn ands defensive counterpart, Aaron Glenn.
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General manager Brad Holmes, over from the Los Angeles Rams, is also there for the long haul. Detroit also made the shrewd move of hiring former Kansas City Chiefs and Cleveland Browns general manager John Dorsey to work in the front office.
In short, Detroit has the brain power both in the coaching staff and front office to rebuild quickly, but cap space and picks are needed. Moving on from Stafford gives the Lions both.
Meanwhile, Stafford gets a chance to taste glory he’s never enjoyed. The Lions have reached the playoffs three times with him but are yet to win a single one of those matchups. Additionally, Detroit is without an NFC North (or Central) title this century.
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Stafford is a good player who both has something to give and certainly something to prove. If he’s dealt away to a contender — think the Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Rams or San Francisco 49ers, for example — he and his new team could immediately challenge for divisions and much more. Entering his age-33 season, Stafford has time to make a new home feel permanent for the remainder of the decade.
The Lions have gotten terrific football out of Stafford, but at this juncture of his career and the team’s development, the time has come to part ways. If Detroit can get a first-round pick (and potentially a bit more) out of Stafford in a trade, it’s a no-brainer. Maybe the Lions package picks to get Justin Fields or Zach Wilson in the draft. Maybe they stand firm and take two first-round talents.
Either way, the Lions will have considerable, favorable options. Right now, that’s not the case.
It’s time for Stafford and the Lions to get a divorce. In this case, neither party will be crying over the split.
