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Trade talks for Lions veteran Matthew Stafford are heating up.
Lions coach Dan Campbell told the Detroit Free Press’s Dave Birkett that Stafford talks have gotten “hot and heavy,” and that the team is taking a long-term approach to dealing Stafford.
Talked to Dan Campbell this morning. He said trade talks for Matthew Stafford have gotten "hot and heavy," and he outlined his vision for the Lions' future QB. You'll be happy to know the Lions are taking a long-term approach to this rebuild https://t.co/FFflM9T5Y8 via @freep
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) January 30, 2021
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network added that a trade is expected to be agreed upon before the Super Bowl– although the trade can’t fully be consummated until March.
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The interest is significant. Expect a trade before the Super Bowl https://t.co/6dvbRxKQUL
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 30, 2021
The Lions and Stafford mutually agreed to part ways following their season's end, leaving the question of where and what the Lions will receive in return up in the air. First-round picks are typically involved when trading a franchise quarterback. In this case, Stafford isn’t young, but he is still likely to garner a minimum of one first-round pick.
The Denver Broncos, the San Francisco 49ers, the New England Patriots, the Washington Football Team, and the Indianapolis Colts are teams who are expected to chime in on the Stafford sweepstakes. The Broncos currently hold the No. 9 overall selection in this year’s draft, making them possible frontrunners for the longtime Lions QB.
Once Stafford is traded, the Lions will have to begin the long process of rebuilding a team that is near the bottom of the league in terms of its overall talent level right now. The good news is they’ll be rebuilding with a healthy amount of cap space and draft picks.
