The Detroit Lions have suffered through yet another disappointing season this year. Matt Patricia was fired, but no one truly knows what the future holds for the franchise. Matthew Stafford is still the starting quarterback in Detroit, but many believe that the franchise could trade him this offseason.
Stafford has been one of the most underrated stars in the NFL throughout his career. He is always putting up big numbers and is without a doubt the kind of franchise quarterback that a good team can build around.
So far this season in 13 games, Stafford has completed 63.9 percent of his pass attempts for 3,522 yards, 22 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He has not had a great offensive line and his weapons are not elite. However, he has made the most of his time with the Lions.
If the Lions do look to trade Stafford this offseason, there are quite a few teams that will have interest. Stafford is the kind of quarterback that could come in and immediately lead a team on a deep playoff run.
All of that being said, let’s take a look at four teams who should consider pursuing a trade with the Lions for Matthew Stafford.
Washington Football Team
One of the most intriguing teams to watch this offseason will be Washington. They are actually a decent football team after struggling for years. Unfortunately, Dwayne Haskins did not pan out this season and Ron Rivera could want the team to look outside of the organization for a new quarterback.
Stafford would be able to come in and fix that weakness immediately. He would make Washington a team that could very well win the NFC East.
Washington has some very good weapons in Terry McLaurin and Antonio Gibson. They would likely need to improve their offense a bit more, but Stafford would be a huge upgrade. If Stafford is available, Washington should go after him.
Indianapolis Colts
Next up, there is one team that could end up winning a Super Bowl if they acquired Matthew Stafford. That team would be the Indianapolis Colts.
Last offseason, the Colts made the decision to sign Philip Rivers to a one-year, $25 million contract. Rivers has been decent, but his arm is not what it used to be. Stafford would give the Colts a much better quarterback who could throw the ball downfield and be much more dangerous.
Chris Ballard and the Colts have shown that they will not hold back on making big moves if it helps them win. Stafford would absolutely help them win. This could be the best possible trade destination that Stafford could hope for.
Chicago Bears
This trade destination would be the least likely of all of them. If the Lions do decide to trade Stafford, trading him within the NFC North division would not be wise. Doing so would force them to play him twice each year.
Stafford would use a trade to a division rival as even more motivation. He would be focused on making the Lions pay each and every season. However, the Bears desperately need a quarterback and Stafford would be exactly the kind of quarterback they need.
Mitchell Trubisky and Nick Foles have both had rough seasons in 2020. Neither guy will make the Bears feel comfortable if they start next season. Stafford, on the other hand, would finally give Chicago stability at the quarterback position.
San Francisco 49ers
How crazy would it be to see Matthew Stafford slinging the ball around in Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system? It would certainly be a good fit for his arm.
Rumblings are starting to come out that the 49ers may not be sold on Jimmy Garoppolo being their long-term quarterback. He has failed to show consistency and the franchise could look for other options. Stafford would be a perfect target for the 49ers, depending on the price tag.
There is no doubt that when healthy, the 49ers are a Super Bowl contender. If they had a quarterback like Stafford last season, they may have knocked off Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs to win a ring. San Francisco would be wise to check in and see what it would take to acquire Stafford.
