Report: Detroit Lions have ‘quite a few offers’ for Matthew Stafford and a trade could happen soon
Free Press’ Dave Birkett is reporting that the Detroit Lions have “quite a few offers” on the table for Matthew Stafford and a trade “could be done in the coming days”.
Coach Dan Campbell told Birkett that the meetings between Stafford and the organization were “cordial” but that “you could tell, his (Stafford’s) mind was made up that it was time,” and while they are taking what he wants into consideration, they are “going to find the best value for the Detroit Lions.”
So what’s the best value for the Lions?
Birkett suggests, “Because the Lions are taking a long-term approach to their rebuild, they likely will value draft capital in any deal.”
It’s been suggested 10-12 teams remain interested in Stafford but Birkett notes that not all of them are “considered realistic suitors”. He narrowed the list saying, “the Indianapolis Colts, Washington and the San Francisco 49ers are believed to be among the interested parties — and the Lions’ proximity to cutting a deal suggests they will get at least a first-round pick.”
It’s worth noting that the at least a first-round pick narrative has been a constant theme since the news broke of Stafford requesting a trade — especially among the Lions’ beat –, and if that is indeed the expected starting price, these three teams have the draft capital to make a competitive offer.
While it’s not clear what the Lions would draw beyond a first-round pick, here’s a look at the above team’s draft capital within the Top-100 picks.
San Francisco holds overall picks No. 12 (first-round), 44 (second-round), and they will be getting a third-round compensatory pick (roughly pick 100 or so) in 2021 after developing a minority coach (Robert Saleh) who was hired as a head coach (New York Jets).
Washington’s first-round pick is lower than the 49ers, but with two third-round picks this year, they could potentially offer a better selection of options. They hold overall picks No. 19 (first-round), 51 (second-round), as well as picks 74 and 82 in the third round.
The Colts hold overall picks No. 21, 54, and 84 meaning they may have to get creative with future picks if they want to keep some of this year’s high draft capital and stay competitive in the bidding process.
