Why the Panthers shouldn’t go broke for Matthew Stafford
By Dean Jones
Why a first-round pick is too steep for Stafford
Matthew Stafford’s talent is unquestioned. His career numbers are outstanding and Detroit’s inability to get the right sort of personnel around him has cost the player not in an individual sense, but in terms of team recognition over the years.
His ability to move the chains efficiently and make big throws in crucial situations will obviously be a hot commodity as trade talks gather pace ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft. The Carolina Panthers are right to make an inquiry to see what sort of compensation it would take to secure Stafford. However, giving up the No. 8 overall selection is something that the organization should think twice about.
The top four quarterback prospects might be gone by the time Carolina is on the clock now the Lions need a long-term replacement for Stafford and are picking one spot ahead of the Panthers at No. 7. This would make the need to make a trade such as this even more imperative.
However, it would be a massive surprise if Carolina was selecting this high in the draft again after the promising start to Matt Rhule’s tenure and it’s vital they make the most of it.
Whether this comes by trading back for more picks or taking the best player available at the time remains to be seen. But if Detroit is intent on getting a first-rounder and possibly more for Stafford if a bidding war commences, then Carolina would be wise to take a step back and examine alternative options that could help the franchise progress next season and beyond.