NFL Notes: Matthew Stafford, Bears, Rams, & Vikings

Matthew Stafford

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes that the Lions can release QB Matthew Stafford with a post-June 1 cap hit of $5.5 million next year and another $5.5 million in 2017.

If Detroit were to cut him before June 1, the Lions would incur a cap hit of $11 million next year, but he would no longer be on their books in 2017.

Should the Lions trade Stafford, they would be looking at the same $11 million cap hit as if they cut him. Florio mentions that Stafford’s $17 million salary in 2016 would likely be a trade, but he doesn’t completely rule out the possibility of a trade based on the fact that there are rarely starting caliber quarterbacks available.

Bears

Bears HC John Fox told reporters that RB Matt Forte (MCL) is “truly day to day.”

“Yeah, you know and chances [that a guy plays] and timelines … you know I can’t determine that,” Fox said, via ESPN Chicago. “It’s truly day-to-day. Matt’s a leader on this football team. He was voted captain on offense. He’s definitely been that guy [a leader] since we’ve been here and I think he’ll continue to do that.”

Bears DC Vic Fangio referred to ILB Shea McClellin as “50-50” to play in Monday night’s game against the Chargers.

“I watched him today out there. He got some action. I think it’s 50-50,” Fangio said.

Rams

• According to Adam Caplan, Rams RB Trey Watts‘ latest suspension stems from issue that occurred before the start of the regular season.
• Caplan added that this wasn’t a recent incident and Watts is on the “right path.“

Vikings

Vikings WR Cordarrelle Patterson said that he’s not worried about his future in Minnesota.

“I don’t need to worry about my future,” Patterson said, via Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. “I’m here. I’m here for a reason. If they wanted to let me go, they would have let me go when the trade [deadline] was here. I’m not worried about anything.”