Adrian, MI – This past week has brought about a great deal of discussion about Lions QB Matt Stafford. With the dismissal of head coach Matt Patricia and GM Bob Quinn, many are speculating what role the current Lions QB will have in the new regime’s plans? Let’s examine the pros and cons of Matt Stafford’s future with the Lions.
Pros:
He gives a new (and possibly first-time) head coach a veteran QB to lead the team on offense who can win games in the NFL.
He is under contract for the 2021 and 2022 season, which if the Lions decided to draft the “heir apparent”, they would have 1-2 years to be groomed while the new coaching staff puts pieces in place to ensure a successful transition.
The 2021 schedule includes two games with NFC North rivals Chicago, Green Bay, and Minnesota; along with Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Baltimore. Those teams currently have some of the toughest defenses in the NFL. Is that really what we want to see as Lions fans for a rookie QB? Or would a veteran like Stafford give the Lions a better chance of success/survival against that slate?
Cons:
Stafford delays the rebuild with a new QB leading the franchise. He has not won a playoff game in his tenure with the Lions. And if a new coach and GM want to start from scratch, he may not take well to being a potential backup or groomer for the new QB.
Fans who oppose Stafford staying place as the QB may be less supportive of the new leadership if he is kept in place as the Lions offensive leader.
There are things to weigh with the QB spot on the Lions roster for any potential GM or head coach candidates. You would think that would be a question for discussion in any interview process going forward.
A final note, if the Lions were thinking of trading Stafford, or not having him on the roster in 2021, it would be a cap hit of just over $19 millions dollars, in a year where the overall cap for each team is expected to be less due to declining revenues league-wide. That could possibly hamper the Lions ability to extend or raise current player contracts, or sign free agents to help the team under a new head coach and GM.
– by John Roberts