It seems Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is looking towards new horizons. It was announced this past Sunday the Lions and Matthew Stafford have agreed to mutually part ways. Stafford leads the franchise on almost every quarterback category. Since being picked first overall in the 2009 NFL Draft, Matthew Stafford has continued to come up short in the postseason. The news comes on the heels of the Detroit Lions ending their season with a 5-11 record. Various media outlets report NFL teams are already on the phone with offers for the 32-year-old vet.
Matthew Stafford has had a rocky career throughout. The Detroit Lions have failed to reach the playoffs in the past three seasons, finishing dead last in their division. Despite going 5-11 this past season, Matthew Stafford had an impressive year. In just 16 games, Stafford threw for 4,084 passing yards, 26 passing touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. While he won’t be winning any MVPs with that stat line, it does show Matthew Stafford still has the ability to throw downfield. There are a few NFL teams who could use the signal-caller to bolster their offense.
Trading Matthew Stafford may prove to be a little tricky. Stafford still has a few years remaining on his contract. His last two years are worth $43 million. NFL teams looking to acquire the vet may end up taking a cap hit, but could ultimately play out well for both teams for the right price.
Matthew Stafford’s wife, Kelly, confirmed the trade news by issuing a statement on social media.
“Random tears come very often when I think about not being here,” Kelly Stafford wrote. “This place supported me during the toughest time of my life and during the happiest times and I want to thank y’all in the right way.
“Whenever I figure out what the future holds, you’ll be hearing from me again with a thank you that hopefully shows how much gratitude and love I have for this place.. but until then we are going to enjoy our time left in Michigan to the fullest because there really is no other place like it.”
Detroit Lions fans showed support for their quarterback in the nicest way possible. Fans donated $9, which is Matthew Stafford’s jersey number, to a charity as a way of saying thanks.
