3 potential trades for the Panthers to land Matthew Stafford
By Dean Jones
Matthew Stafford looks set to leave the Detroit Lions this offseason, but could the Carolina Panthers try and trade for the Pro Bowler?
This promises to be one of the more eventful offseasons regarding quarterbacks in recent memory. A host of established names are set to either retire or move on to pastures new before the 2021 season begins and it would be a shock if the Carolina Panthers also weren’t looking to strengthen this particular area of the field.
General manager Scott Fitterer stated in his introductory presser that the Panthers “would be in on every deal“, with rumors continuing to swirl about a bombshell move for Houston Texans signal-caller Deshaun Watson given the disappointing form of Teddy Bridgewater both with the game on the line and in their final few fixtures of the campaign.
However, another big name has now entered the discussion.
Matthew Stafford is reportedly looking for a move away from the Detroit Lions after a 12-year career with the franchise. The former No. 1 overall pick is set to have his trade request “accommodated” according to ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter and there should be a number of teams who could make a call in a bid to secure his services.
Stafford boasts a career completion percentage of 62.6 and has thrown for 45,109 yards, 282 touchdowns, and 144 interceptions. A distinct lack of quality in Detroit over the years hasn’t helped him, and few would argue the 2011 Comeback Player of the Year isn’t deserving of a chance to finish his career on a high.
The Carolina Panthers could have an inside edge.
Carolina’s new quarterback coach Sean Ryan worked with Stafford in Detroit last season. This should provide a unique insight into just what he could offer the Panthers over the next couple of years if they choose to go in this particular direction.
With that in mind, we took a look at three potential trade packages that might work for both parties.