The Matthew Stafford era in the Motor City has come to an end, as reports indicate that the quarterback and the Detroit Lions have mutually agreed to part ways, and will be seeking a resolution in the form of a trade to that end in the near future.
And with the pending franchise-altering move, there will be ramifications on the team finances – specifically, the salary cap.
Currently, the Lions have around $12 million in cap space with which to work prior to the upcoming NFL Draft.
Per ProFootballNetwork, if Stafford and his $33 million cap hit are moved, the Lions would be saving $14 million in cap space and $20 million in cash.
Stafford will be due a $10 million bonus on the fifth day of the NFL calendar in March, while his prorated cap charges would be accelerated against the team salary cap in 2021.
The Lions are entering yet another transition with a brand new head coach and general manager at the helm. Now, they’ll be going under their biggest transition on the field since Stafford’s arrival in 2009.
So what is the dead money hit? 21mil like we think? If so stupid move…