In 2019, the Detroit Lions‘ worst nightmare came to fruition when quarterback Matthew Stafford broke his back.
Stafford was forced to miss the final 8 games of the season and the Lions ended up with a 3-12-1 record, which earned them the No. 3 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
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With Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa announcing he is entering the draft, there has been plenty of talk about whether or not the Lions should select their future signal-caller.
But if the Lions do select Tua (I highly doubt they will), what happens with Stafford? Do they continue on with Stafford until his contract is up while allowing Tua to sit and learn? Do they attempt to trade Stafford in the offseason and give Tagovailoa the reins as a rookie?
Well, one ESPN reporter, Bart Scott, believes the Lions should trade Stafford to the New England Patriots, who will likely be looking to replace future Hall of Famer, Tom Brady.
“I think Matt Patricia can really do his former boss who got him started in coaching and groomed him up in Bill Belichick a favor and send Matthew Stafford to the Patriots in return for a first-round draft pick,” Scott said on ESPN’s “Get Up.” “It allows Matt Patricia to buy some time. Listen, Matthew Stafford is an elite quarterback.”
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Scott added that though Stafford is a “Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback,” the Lions to not have a supporting cast around him to contend for at least a couple of seasons.
“He’s a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback, but what have you won with him? He’s the only asset you have.’ Scott said. “This team is not going to win or contend in that division next year, the year after. You get Tua Tagovailoa. Tua can sit for a year and now Patricia has his quarterback of the future that can retool and rebuild this offense and rebuild this team in Detroit.”
Nation, would you like to see the Lions trade Stafford to the New England Patriots and then select Tua Tagovailoa in the 2020 NFL Draft?
As much as I would LOVE to see Stafford get the opportunity to win a Super Bowl, I would not be in favor of this trade primarily because of the health concerns of Tua.
