DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 13: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions looks on during the first half against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field on December 13, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Could Matthew Stafford be getting ready to leave the Detroit Lions in the near future after another disappointing season for the team?
While Matthew Stafford is in the middle of his five-year, $135 million extension that goes through the 2022 campaign, rumors of a potential trade have grown even louder for the veteran signal-caller this season. Could Stafford actually end up leaving the team that drafted him?
If you ask NFL insider Adam Schefter, Stafford may not make it through his current contract. With the Lions once again failing to be competitive in the NFC North, it’s looking more and more likely this team is about to enter a rebuild. That’s something Stafford would want no part of, Schefter said.
Adam Schefter is leaving the door open for Matthew Stafford to be traded to a contender
While Stafford is still under contract for two more seasons, Schefter doesn’t believe he’ll want to stick things out, especially if the Lions decide to move forward with rebuilding things in the Motor City. The fact that Stafford wants to play for a contender provides plenty of intrigue.
While Detroit has had its struggles, there’s no denying Stafford has a cannon for an arm and could make a monster impact for a team in need of a signal-caller. In the right situation, Stafford could help a team get over the hump and really push for a strong postseason.
He won’t come cheap, however, as the Lions will want some draft picks in return, especially if they’re wanting to enter into a rebuild. For now, all of this is speculation and there’s nothing concrete that Stafford has even asked to be shipped elsewhere soon. If that happens, though, you can expect multiple teams to come calling in a hurry.