The Matthew Stafford era in Detroit looks like it’s coming to and end.
Saturday night, NFL.com writer Tom Pelissero reported that Stafford and the Lions discussed options to trade the veteran QB who expressed a desire for a “fresh start” ahead of the 2021 season. This was later confirmed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
After meetings in recent weeks in which Stafford expressed a desire for a fresh start, the Lions understood his position and plan to begin discussing trade options in the coming weeks for their star quarterback, per sources.
The sides have had open and healthy discussions since the season ended. But with the Lions starting over again, hiring Dan Campbell as head coach and Brad Holmes as general manager, Stafford told the team he feels it’s the right time to move on and team officials agreed, per sources.
NFL.com
Detroit News Lions reporter Justin Rogers further mentioned that Stafford first floated the idea of getting traded and that newly hired GM Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell were both aware of the situation prior to inking their contracts with the Lions. Rogers also goes on to mention there’s still a “chance he (Stafford) sticks” and that the Lions are going to be looking for “fair market value” in return for the veteran QB.
We’ll have more on this as it develops.