Lions GM: Matthew Stafford Trade Rumors “100% False!!”

Lions GM Bob Quinn shot down a rumor that the team was in trade talks for QB Matthew Stafford, texting Dave Birkett the report was “100% false!!”

A local Detroit TV station reported that, according to sources close to the team and Stafford, trade talks had been going on for a couple of weeks. 

However, Birkett says in addition to Quinn’s denial there are a number of other reasons why a trade of Stafford isn’t likely.

Despite dealing with back injuries the past two seasons, including a fracture that cost him eight games in 2019, Stafford is still playing well. Lions ownership has given Quinn and HC Matt Patricia a win-now mandate in 2020 and Stafford is their best option as a starter. 

Birkett also points out the Lions restructured Stafford’s contract late last year and would incur a $32 million cap hit if they traded Stafford. In comparison, Stafford’s 2020 cap hit is $21.3 million if he stays on the roster. 

And while the Lions would be in position to draft a quarterback in the first round at No. 3 overall, there’s no guarantee another team doesn’t trade past them if they do deal Stafford. 

Stafford, 32, is a former first-round pick of the Lions back in 2009. He was in the final year of his five-year, $76.5 million contract when he and the Lions agreed to a five-year, $135 million extension back in 2017.

Stafford stands to make base salaries of $15 million and $9.5 million over the next two years of the agreement.

In 2019, Stafford appeared in eight games and completed 64.3 percent of his passes for 2,499 yards, 19 touchdowns and five interceptions. He also rushed for 66 yards.