Aug 24, 2018; Tampa, FL, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) warms up on the field prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
The NFL offseason isn't even here yet and we have some major fireworks, as the NFL Network is reporting that Matthew Stafford has asked out of Detroit and will seek a trade from the Lions. With the Lions going in another direction, they're reportedly agreed that it's time to move on and will now begin working on trade options for the star QB. This isn't completely shocking, but you don't often see a QB at the level of Matthew Stafford hit the trade block.
While it's still early in this process, it will be interesting to see which teams go after Stafford, who has been with the Lions since 2009. And if you're keeping track at home, this now makes two star QBs available via trade at the moment, with Stafford leaving Detroit and Deshaun Watson pushing his way out of Houston. Safe to say it's going to be a crazy NFL offseason. We put together a list of five NFL teams that should absolutely make a run at trading for Stafford.
San Francisco 49ers
This is the easiest place to start. The 49ers have an elite coach in Kyle Shanahan and stars all over the field on offense and defense. While the team reached the Super Bowl last year behind Jimmy G at QB, the leadership of the team has yet to fully commit to Jimmy being the QB going forward. Time to fire up all of the Stafford rumors to the Bay. With that defense and the weapons on offense, it would be a joy to watch Stafford in Shanny's offensive system.
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos have been looking for a stable option at QB ever since Peyton Manning retired. They've gone from Tim Tebow to Drew Lock, and it just hasn't really worked out. With a new GM in town, it makes total sense that they'd go after a player like Stafford to lead the team, especially when you think about all of the offensive weapons they already have on the field in Melvin Gordon and Jerry Jeudy. Not sure this would make the Broncos instant contenders, but it would be an easy upgrade for that team.
Indianapolis Colts
This may have just worked out perfectly for the Indianapolis Colts with Philip Rivers just retiring from the NFL. They already have a playoff roster and have been known to be aggressive in adding talent. This would be an ideal situation for Stafford, and quite possibly would be the most talented team he's ever been on. Could the Colts swing yet another big move for a QB this offseason? They'd be setup for immediate success with Stafford in tow.
New England Patriots
Of course we're going to include the Patriots here. The Patriots will always be aggressive and with Cam Newton likely leaving town, why wouldn't Bill Belichick go after a bonafide star like Matthew Stafford? The Patriots weren't going to be content with missing the playoffs more than once, so it should shock nobody if they went hard after this in the coming weeks. Let's see how crazy Bill B and company are ready to get.
Pittsburgh Steelers
How uncomfortable are the Steelers ready to get? It's clear that they have talent all over the field, but Ben Roethlisberger looks about done at QB in the NFL. However, it looks like Big Ben is looking to return to the Steelers this season. Would Pittsburgh be prepared to cut ties with Ben and make a run at Stafford? They absolutely should be willing to do so, but who knows if they will. Just imagine Stafford with JuJu (if he re-signs) and company in the AFC North. That would be something to watch. The Steelers might just have to get uncomfortable this offseason.