Detroit Lions: Goodbye to the greatest quarterback in franchise history

The Detroit Lions and franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford have mutually agreed to part ways, and the organization will start fielding trade offers for the former top pick. It’s apparent that Stafford isn’t willing to go through yet another rebuild in Detroit, and can anyone blame him?

We also need to understand this new regime running the Detroit Lions may also realize building around a soon-to-be 33-year old quarterback that has finished each of his last four seasons, beaten and battered with various injuries, isn’t the way to rebuild the franchise. Although it is tragic to say goodbye to the organization’s greatest passer, it is reality.

Recently the Lions hired Brad Holmes, who previously ran the Los Angeles Rams college scouting department as their new GM, along with former Lions tight end Dan Campbell to replace Matt Patricia as the team’s head coach.

Both praised Stafford over the past week, but in both cases, each left the door open, understanding there would be a good chance the two-sides would agree to move on.

This is exactly why the Detroit Lions needed to select a quarterback third overall in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Ownership told the last regime they needed to win now; after those sanctions were known, the team President Rod Wood needed to step in and make sure the organization selected a quarterback with the third pick.

Picking in those premium spots are rare; if Detroit selected either Tua or Herbert, the organization would be sitting pretty with a young starting quarterback on a team-friendly deal along with likely owning two of the top 15-20 choices in the 2021 draft after they move Matthew Stafford.

We can’t blame Bob Quinn for selecting Jeff Okudah because he saw the writing on the wall, it was a last ditched effort to save his job. We need to blame the non-football aware team President along with ownership.

As we prepare to say goodbye to the greatest quarterback ever to dawn a Lions jersey, I hope you realize that franchise quarterbacks are difficult to find. Let’s not forget about Scott Mitchell, Charlie Batch, Joey Harrington, Jon Kitna, Jeff Garcia, and a broken-down, over the hill Daunte Culpepper.

Stafford will leave Detroit virtually holding every passing record to date, having totaled 45,109 passing yards, 282 touchdowns, 144 interceptions. Stafford provided the Lions with a 74-90-1 overall record and failed to win a playoff game going 0-3 in his limited opportunities.

Stafford’s toughness, willingness to play hurt, not injured, hurt, and there is a difference along with his determination to win will long be overshadowed by his lack of playoff success, and that is sad.

Next. Dan Campbell officially names Aaron Glenn as new DC. dark

Lions fans know the man is a warrior, and may I add, he proved everyone wrong who called him a China doll early in his career for playing just 13 games over his first two seasons. I haven’t heard anyone call him that in quite some time. Whoever wins the Stafford sweepstakes is sure to get a good one through and through.

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