We have analyzed a potential transaction for Matt Ryan. We have analyzed a potential transaction for Aaron Rodgers.
Now let’s do Matthew Stafford, the one that’s actually available.
Stafford and the Lions agreed on Saturday to “part ways”. This means the lions want to rebuild and Stafford doesn’t, so they agreed to send him out of town. And the 49ers should absolutely be chasing him.
Typically, teams don’t trade franchise quarterbacks to teams that play in the same conference. But as I wrote above, the Lions are rebuilding – that’s why they gave new head coach Dan Campbell a six-year contract. They expect to lose. They don’t worry about having to compete against Stafford in an NFC championship, as the Lions won’t be playing anytime soon.
Which means the Lions will trade Stafford to the highest bidder, which could be the 49ers. They could send Detroit the 12th pick in the upcoming draft.
But the The Broncos could send Detroit the ninth pick for Stafford, because they need a quarterback. And the Panthers could send Detroit the eighth pick, because they also need a quarterback.
The 49ers could have quite a bit of competition for Stafford.
Maybe they should trade a first round pick and a second round for Stafford in Detroit. Or two first round picks. Or two first rounders and a third. Or two first rounders and a player. Who knows? Funny things happen during bidding wars.
The 49ers should not trade more than a first round for Stafford. And even that first rounder would be rich for a quarterback who turns 33 in February and has never won a playoff game in the NFL.
I expect the 49ers to outbid another team for Stafford’s services.