The Detroit Lions drafted Matthew Stafford with the first overall pick all the way back in 2009. Since then, the quarterback has been fantastic for them.
In fact, even in 2019, he was great. Stafford only appeared in eight games due to injury. Even though he played just eight games, he still managed 2,499 passing yards and 19 touchdowns (compared to five interceptions). It does not take a genius to realize he was on-pace for a big season.
To make it even more clear though, the Lions were 3-4-1 in games where Stafford was the quarterback. They went 0-8 without him.
So the fact that he is signed through 2022 is great news. Especially considering Stafford's injury in 2019 was sort of an anomaly. In the eight seasons prior, he had played in all 16 regular-season games every time.
There's a slight issue though, that's really not all that far away. And by the time the contract is up, Stafford will be 35. Still not old for a quarterback, but not young either.
And if you really want to put the pressure on, there's a potential out in the contract after the 2020 season.
So is it time for the Lions to start preparing for life after Stafford?
The first thing you have to look at is where he stands. Stafford is definitely one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL. Is he elite though? He definitely makes the Lions better, but he hasn't made them perennial winners.
Stafford is a quarterback you can win with. He isn't going to do it all by himself though. That's not a knock on him, honestly more of a knock on Detroit. They haven't really shown a willingness to build around him.
If the quarterback wants to win, he might want to look elsewhere when he has the chance.
So what are Detroit's options? They could draft a quarterback this season. They certainly have the chance with the number three pick in the draft.
This is even more so when considering the Washington Redskins select second, and almost certainly will go with pass rusher Chase Young. In fact, unless they trade the pick, you don't have to worry about them drafting a quarterback having taken Dwayne Haskins just last year.
Joe Burrow will be the number one pick, but Justin Herbert, Tua Tagovailoa and Jordan Love could all grade as first-rounders.
That being said, it's too early. Unless Stafford leaves in 2020, you have him for three more seasons. And he's far too good to bench. You could trade him, but it just seems too early. With Matthew Stafford, you already know you have a great quarterback and just need to build around him.
Throwing a rookie into that fire could prove disastrous.
So this year is too early (unless you snag someone later than the first, then maybe it could work). Due to that, the answer is no. The Lions should maybe be thinking about life after Stafford, but they shouldn't be prepared for it.
If they can build around him, Matthew Stafford has proven he's a top-tier QB. He could be in Detroit for another 10 years. There is no need to start preparing for that just yet, especially since he'll be ready for the team's offseason program. If this is a highway, you might start seeing exit signs soon though.
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