In an offseason that looks to be full of trades and players on new teams, we have another trade rumor blasted upon us. Before it was Deshaun Watson, now it is Matthew Stafford.
As a neutral, I am very happy that Matthew Stafford will be leaving the hell hole known as the Detroit Lions organization. That dude has given everything to that team, and it’s time the team didn’t force one of their greatest ever players into an early retirement.
Much like the Deshaun Watson paper I wrote, I am going to go through the top five teams that could trade for Matthew Stafford. So without further adieu, here’s the list with the teams that could trade for Stafford!
5. Miami Dolphins | 2020 record; 10-6
The Dolphins will probably be mentioned with every quarterback available this offseason, whether it be Deshaun Watson, Matthew Stafford or someone else. The seemingly lack of faith in Tua by the coaching staff and players makes them a prime candidate for trades and free agents.
I don’t know how many people will have remembered this, but the Dolphins were linked with Tua prior to the 2020 NFL draft. Though the rumors weren’t everywhere, they still existed which makes me think this could be a possible trade destination for Stafford.
Now, since the 2020 NFL Draft, the Lions have fired their GM, Bob Quinn, and head coach, Matt Patricia, so maybe their interest has died out, but maybe it hasn’t, we have to play both scenarios here.
Here’s some quotes from Bob Quinn about Tua Tagovailoa last offseason;
“We evaluated Tua,” Quinn said in a video conference with reporters after Thursday's first round. “We had a really good meeting with him. This guy is a very energetic guy and a charismatic guy in the interview process. Talked to coach (Nick) Saban about him a lot. Just called down.
“This year we probably made more calls to college coaches just because we have more time to do that. So we talked to Nick about all their guys down there. They love him down there, think he’s an excellent college quarterback, going to be an excellent pro quarterback.”
The Dolphins have tried to trade for Matthew Stafford in the past, why would they not try to go in for him again?
New head coach Dan Campbell used to coach for the Miami Dolphins and current GM Chris Grier was there during Campbell’s tenure with the team. Maybe they could reconnect and go through with the Stafford trade.
Now, maybe the interest in Tua has died out, but just for fun, I am keeping the interest alive. I’ll keep it at five though because I think they’re more interested in getting Deshaun Watson.
4. New England Patriots | 2020 record; 7-9
The Patriots have a quarterback issue, probably more than any team on this list. The Cam Newton experiment did not work out, so why not make a trade for a safer pick at quarterback.
Personally, I would absolutely hate this trade and would recommend the Patriots not do this trade. Ok? Thanks.
We are living in a universe where both Deshaun Watson and Matthew Stafford could end up in the AFC East, which is very sad.
We already know the Patriots will be better next season, with all the people they had out coming back from injuries and COVID-19 opt outs, them getting Stafford would make them even better.
With Matt Patricia going back to New England, the Patriots could have a piece that could help them even more in getting Stafford to the Patriots.
Now, one thing the Patriots don’t have is any weapons on the outside. But, again, with their cap space, they could be able to persuade either Allen Robinson or Stafford’s former teammate, Kenny Golladay, to come over to New England.
I feel this could really push the Patriots forward and get them back to where they want to be, which could strike fear back into the NFL.
3. Washington Football Team | 2020 record; 7-9
Again, much like the Deshaun Watson trade paper, we start this list off with the Washington Football Team. With Alex Smith’s future up in the air in whether he retires or not, Washington will be linked with most free agent quarterbacks as well as those who will be available for trade.
Washington finished 7-9 last year with one of the best defenses in the NFL, and though the Alex Smith story was a good one, finishing 4-1 with him as the starter, Washington’s offense was pretty subpar to say the least.
As an offense, Washington ranked 30th in total offense and ranked 25th in passing offense, Matthew Stafford could easily open up their offense.
Another important thing to remember here is the fact that the current Football Team GM is Martin Mayhew, who drafted Stafford while he was the GM in Detroit, which could see them back together again in Washington.
They have a number one receiver in Terry McLaurin and an athletic tight end in Logan Thomas. Washington ranks in the top 10 in cap space this upcoming offense, meaning they could go after a certain receiver Stafford is familiar with, in Kenny Golladay.
I think Stafford would really fit the “culture” that Ron Rivera and co are building over there in the nation's capital.
2. Indianapolis Colts | 2020 record; 11-5
A few days ago, Philip Rivers announced his retirement from the NFL. Now, the Colts will be in the market for a new starting quarterback. Matthew Stafford to the Colts would be a very fun trade.
The Colts are in a situation where they are going to want to win now. They have one of the, if not the, best offensive line in the NFL, a very talented defense, and one of the better coaching staffs in the NFL. The only thing this team truly needs is a guaranteed starting quarterback. Stafford would provide that.
Along with the o-line the Colts could give to him, they also have weapons available in regards to the rushing attack and the receiving game. They have two young stars in Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman, along with an established vet in TY Hilton, who is a FA, and a good pass catching tight end in Jack Doyle.
If the Colts don't want to resign TY, there are other options in the free agent market in regards to wide receivers, we have already mentioned them enoguh so I'm not going to do it again.
Much like Rivers before him, Stafford has been one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the league when it comes to staying healthy and putting up very good numbers.
Stafford has carried the Lions franchise ever since he’s been in the NFL, this would be a situation where he would actually be helped out by an organization. I feel this would be a great trade for the Colts and the Lions.
If the Colts truly want to win now, Stafford would certainly help them in that regard. If I'm the Colts I'm going to try and go all in on Stafford.
1. San Francisco 49ers | 2020 record; 6-10
I feel, scheme wise, this is the best fit for Matthew Stafford. In this scenario, Kyle Shanahan would be getting another version of Matt Ryan, who was an MVP under Shanahan’s guidance down in Atlanta. Matthew Stafford could really unlock the 49ers offense.
One thing that will be very beneficial to the 49ers is the fact that Matthew Stafford is one of the toughest s.o.b.’s in the NFL, rarely missing games throughout his career (minus last season). That couldn't be any more different than their current quarterback in Jimmy Garoppolo, who has played more than six games once in his career.
I like Jimmy G, but Matthew Stafford would be way better for this team than him. One thing Matthew Stafford is not is a check down game manager type, which is something that people have accused Jimmy G of being since he came to San Francisco.
If Stafford were to go to San Francisco, that would mean Jimmy would probably be heading back to New England. I think this trade would be very beneficial for everyone involved.
This would be a dream trade for the 49ers if this were to happen. I feel he'd be a much better fit in the Shanahan offense than Jimmy G. I feel there has to be mutual interest here and would be very benificial for both parties. As a nuetral, I would like to see this trade happen.
It'd be nice to see Matthew Stafford go to a team who would give him some help. Get Stafford to either San Fran or Indianapolis.
Other teams that could be involved; Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers
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