There is no truth to the unsubstantiated rumors from near or afar that the Detroit Lions are attempting to trade franchise QB Matthew Stafford. But don’t just take my word for it…
Listen to the words from Lions GM Bob Quinn, the man who would be making such a decision.
“100% False!!” Quinn texted to the Detroit Free Press in response to the rumors, via Dave Birkett.
Quinn’s defiant refutation of rumors that have originated in Miami and recently popped up on a Detroit TV outlet. Aside from Quinn’s rejection of the speculation, the financial implications of trading Stafford make any deal almost impossible.
With his recent contract restructuring, it would cost the Lions $10.7 million more to trade or release Stafford than to have him play for Detroit in 2020. Quinn and head coach Matt Patricia are under a mandate from ownership to become a playoff contender in the upcoming season or else they’ll be fired.
Trading away the starting quarterback and simultaneously setting almost $11 million on fire is not how the Lions will win in 2020.
