Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions
John Elway loves veteran quarterbacks, and he loves quarterbacks with big arms. Conveniently enough, Matthew Stafford might be on the market this upcoming offseason. Although his career win-loss record of 70-82-1 isn’t exactly ideal, that has more to do with the lack of talent Detroit has been able to surround him with since selecting him number one overall out of Georgia in 2009 than it does Stafford’s talent.
Stafford’s talent is undeniable, and he has been in the upper echelon of quarterbacks for the past decade. Now, imagine surrounding him with the offensive weapons the Denver Broncos currently have. At 32, he still has several good years left in him, and he still has two years remaining on his contract. Considering he has been relatively healthy throughout his career, it’s conceivable to think he could play until he is 37 or 38.
If that is the case, then why would the Detroit Lions trade him?
Well simply put, this is a team that is likely in a state of transition heading into the 2021 offseason. Matt Patricia should be fired and with Detroit currently 1-3, they are looking at a top-10 pick for the third time in three years. With three quarterbacks looking like probably top-10 picks, a new regime could want to bring in their own guy and start fresh in Detroit.
And if Drew Lock isn’t the guy, John Elway might be getting a bit antsy to find a guy who can win with this talented, albeit young team. With two years remaining, I believe the price would be a day two pick from Denver.