Should The Lions Trade Matthew Stafford?
By Tom Millikan
NFL teams that do not have a franchise quarterback in place are in desperation mode. The Rams and Eagles have recently made trades that could cost them dearly for years to come. Jared Goff and Carson Wentz will have to have MVP type seasons to make it worth what Los Angeles and Philadelphia gave up in draft picks.
The popular belief around the NFL is that Matthew Stafford is a franchise quarterback or he can be fixed to become one. Personally I don't think he is. I don't believe Stafford will ever win a Super Bowl in Detroit. And with that belief I've come to the conclusion that the Lions should explore trading Stafford.
The ransom would be high. It would be Herschel Walker high. Why? Because of the desperate environment currently in the NFL. Teams are overvaluing secondary and mediocre quarterbacks. It's almost like the 2004-2006 housing market. Teams wills soon have to take out smart arm loans to pay grossly overrated quarterbacks.
Chip Kelly would kill to have Matthew Stafford. The 49ers have 12 draft picks just this year. They're the perfect partner. Kelly is desperate.
Here's the deal I'd demand from the Niners:
Lions receive: Niners receive:
2016 7th overall pick (1st rounder) Matthew Stafford
2016 37th overall pick (2nd rounder) 2016 111th overall pick (4th rounder)
2016 68th overall pick (3rd rounder)
2017 First Round Pick
2017 Third Round Pick
2017 Fifth Round Pick
QB Blaine Gabbert
You'd be crazy not to take that haul! Maybe the Niners would offer a little less. Maybe more. What's it hurt to make a phone call? Lions GM Bob Quinn would be a fool not to investigate Stafford's value in this desperate NFL environment.