Matthew Stafford is available. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the talented quarterback and the Detroit Lions have mutually agreed to part ways. The Lions are set to explore trade options.
Did the door just fling open for Washington to scoop their next starting quarterback?
The dots are sure to start connecting Washington’s new general manager Martin Mayhew to Stafford. Mayhew spent 14 years in the Lions’ front office, ultimately becoming general manager in 2008 until 2015. During that time, he drafted Stafford first overall in the 2009 NFL Draft.
Stafford has played 12 seasons in Detroit, shattering every major passing record in franchise history. It’s no question he is the best QB in team history. Despite Stafford’s individual success, the Lions haven’t had much to show for. They’ve missed the playoffs each of the last four seasons. The staleness and a changing of the guard in leadership, has made possible a parting between Stafford and Detroit.
Meanwhile, Washington has had a never-ending search for a franchise quarterback during owner Dan Snyder’s era which started in 1999. Washington’s struggles finding a suitable QB were never more evident than this season.
Therefore, Washington is back in the market for a quarterback, once again. They’re expected to take a “big swing” at acquiring a QB this offseason, according to Chris Russell of SI.com. Stafford classifies as a big swing, but is a more realistic option than disgruntled Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson.
Given his age of 32 and the wear and tear he has experienced Stafford’s trade value should be much cheaper than Watson. Plus, Watson has a no-trade clause and prefers the Jets and Dolphins as landing destinations.
Stafford also will cost much less against the salary cap. He has two years and $43 million remaining on his contract. In comparison, Watson has a four-year, $156 million contract extension that begins in 2022.
Stafford may not push the needle as high as Watson. But, the possibility of getting a quarterback of his stature is worth the price it will cost. That price shouldn’t be too steep to compromise Washington’s future draft stock.
Mayhew’s connection to Stafford will certainly place Washington as a suitor. While Washington won the NFC East this season, they were 7-9 in large due to lack of stability at quarterback. Four quarterbacks started games for them this season.
Dwayne Haskins was cut last month, less than two seasons after being picked in the first round of the 2019 draft. Kyle Allen suffered a gruesome season-ending ankle injury. Alex Smith is 37 years old. While he will be the Comeback Player of the Year, he showed glaring signs he suffered a devastating leg injury two years prior.
Taylor Heinicke became a fan favorite after his valiant effort in the wild card playoff loss to Tampa Bay. However, the 27-year old has been a journeyman, a backup in the XFL and was out of the NFL until Washington signed him in December.
In 2020, Stafford had 4,804 passing yards, 26 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He had 1,036 more yards, 10 more touchdowns and six less interceptions than the four QB’s who played for Washington. All are valid variables for Washington to pursue the signal-caller.
