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Detroit Lions: Five teams that should trade for Matthew Stafford

By Bob Heyrman

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 03: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions drops back to pass against the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter of an NFL football game at RingCentral Coliseum on November 03, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 03: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions drops back to pass against the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter of an NFL football game at RingCentral Coliseum on November 03, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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I genuinely believe the trade rumors surrounding Matthew Stafford are a hoax.  Whatever it is, it’s good for the Detroit Lions in the way of building draft capital.

I can’t stress this enough; I firmly believe Matthew Stafford will remain with the Detroit Lions next season.  Detroit isn’t going to be willing to pay the quarterback a whopping $32 million in dead cap money to play for another team, especially when the cap number to keep him is $21 million.

Could you imagine the return the Detroit Lions would need to receive to be enticed to retain that kind of money against the cap?  It would have to be significant, and I don’t see a team giving up enough in Detroit’s eyes for a 32-year-old quarterback with a bad back.

Although in the eyes of the Detroit Lions, Matthew Stafford is a franchise quarterback, but he is in the clubhouse, grabbing himself a beer and hot dog about to make the turn onto the back nine of his career.

Again, I don’t believe he plays elsewhere in 2020 BUT if he were to be dealt before the NFL draft, here are five places that should consider trading for his services.

5. Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers have recently parted ways with head coach Ron Rivera.  The new ownership in Carolina has one thing on its mind. Winning. David Tepper doesn’t have any deep ties this roster, which perhaps allows the team to move on from fan-favorite Cam Newton.

Cam Newton, the former league MVP, is struggling to recapture the same success he’s enjoyed in the past.  Injuries along with a below-average offensive line haven’t helped the situation.  The Panthers have replaced River Boat Ron with the former Baylor head coach in Matt Rhule, who will become the franchise’s fifth head coach.

Rhule inherited a Baylor program that went 1-11 in 2017, the very next year, the school went an eye-opening 11-3, and last season Baylor made an appearance in the Big 12 championship game and a Sugar Bowl appearance.

Matthew Stafford would be a significant upgrade for the Panthers who were forced to start Kyle Allen and Will Grier last season.  Stafford would immediately enjoy having the production of a franchise running back, something the Detroit Lions have failed to provide him with throughout his duration in Detroit.

The Panthers also have a dynamic weapon on the outside in D.J Moore, who caught 87 balls for 1175 yards last season.  If the Panthers can find another playmaker on offense, it could be a perfect fit for Matthew Stafford.  The Panthers may benefit from making a splash after its team leader Luke Kuechly decided to retire.  What better jolt than to add Stafford?

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