Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions. (USA Today)
Matthew Stafford is expected to be traded within the next week, ahead of Super Bowl 55.
After 12 years quarterbacking the Detroit Lions, Matthew Stafford has likely played his last snap in the Motor City. The former No. 1 overall pick out of Georgia back in 2009 is on his way out. With the Lions embracing an all-out rebuilding process, he is expected to be dealt soon, probably before Super Bowl 55 between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicks off on Feb. 7.
Though Stafford has never won a playoff game before his his career, it is not like the Lions have any idea how to do that anyway. They have won a single playoff game since the golden era of Lions football dating back to the late 1950s. Stafford will command huge trade value and would make whatever team he ends up on a likely playoff team and dark horse Super Bowl contender.
What teams are the most likely to trade for Matthew Stafford in 2021?
Stafford said he could see himself playing for the Los Angeles Rams. This is very much in play, as new Lions general manager Brad Holmes previously worked under Les Snead in Los Angeles. Other teams who should have interest in Stafford are the Indianapolis Colts, the New England Patriots and the San Francisco 49ers. He would be an upgrade at quarterback in all four spots.
As for this accelerated timeline, this does come as somewhat of a surprise. The league year is not over with and done, but then again, Houston Texans starting quarterback Deshaun Watson wants out of town. It will be strange to see both franchise cornerstones playing elsewhere in 2021. If Ian Rapoport says Stafford could be dealt before Super Bowl 55, it may just happen, so be prepared.
Stafford could have a new NFL home by the time you collect your next paycheck from work.