Detroit GM denies report claiming Lions are engaged in discussions to trade Matthew Stafford
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Could Matthew Stafford’s time in Detroit be coming to an end?
That’s a possibility if you believe the report from Bernie Smilovitz of WDIV in Detroit, who cites unnamed sources close to the Lions that have informed him that trade talks have been ongoing for weeks. Interestingly, Stafford’s wife responded to that report via social media and suggested she would be in favor of a move to California.
However, following that initial report, the team’s General Manager Bob Quinn calls that report “100% false” according to Dave Birkett of the Detriot Free Press.
Quinn is likely telling the truth as those familiar with Stafford’s contract in Detriot are reporting it would cost the Lions nearly $32 million in salary cap room to not have Stafford on the roster for the 2020 season. Apparently the Lions have structured Stafford’s contract in this manner to protect the quarterback and provide him with extra security.
Stafford missed several games last season for the Lions after fracturing bones in his back. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft has thrown for 41,025 yards and 256 touchdowns during his NFL career, which has all come as a member of the Detroit franchise.
The 2019 season was the first in which Stafford did not play in 16 games since the 2010 season.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
