Denver Broncos: Looking at veteran quarterback options for 2021

Denver Broncos 2021 veteran QB options: Matthew Stafford (Lions)

Matthew Stafford does not have many personal accolades to his name, but in his case, that doesn’t mean anything. Stafford has been the quarterback of the incompetent Detroit Lions since 2009, and it appears that there is a good chance he can be dealt this offseason.

Stafford will be 33 when 2021 starts, which is by no means old for a quarterback. Both Tom Brady and Drew Brees are over 40, and Aaron Rodgers is close behind. Bringing in Matthew Stafford, one would think, would be for the somewhat long-term.

Does he have five more solid years left in him?  It’s reasonable to think. As I have stated earlier, there are quarterbacks who are much older than him who are playing at a high level.

What sticks out to me about Stafford is how similar he and Drew Lock are as players. Lock was given Matthew Stafford and Jay Cutler comparisons coming out of college, so with Stafford under center, we could effectively be seeing what a Drew Lock ceiling might look like.

Stafford has good size, decent accuracy, a cannon for a right arm, and exceptional toughness and leadership. Doesn’t that sound a lot like Lock? Now, Lock isn’t in the picture if we trade for Stafford most likely, but it’s fun to find the similarities.

In 2020, Stafford had a decent season, passing for 26 TDs, 10 INTs, completing 64.2 percent of his passes for a 96.3 rating. Like Matt Ryan, this is about par for the course for Stafford.

He will occasionally wow you on tape, making a ridiculous throw at an arm angle illegal in 28 states, or dropping a dime 60 yards down the field.

Stafford brings grit and leadership to the quarterback position. His teammates respect him, and he can play through tough injuries. He would open a window for contention longer than Matt Ryan would, and I think the Broncos would be smart to inquire about his services.