DETROIT _ When rumors swirl, the line blurs between fact and friction. The Lions never were shopping Matthew Stafford, according to Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia, and the quarterback doesn't want to be shopped, according to Stafford's agent and Stafford's wife. This is contrary to what Kelly Stafford had previously hinted on social media, and contrary to trade rumors out of the NFL Combine. But the speculation was debunked by all parties, so that settles that, whatever that was.
It's over, and coincidentally, it's just getting started. Hang on, because free-agency opens March 18 and the draft follows on April 23, and with the No. 3 pick, the Lions hold the key to unlocking the draft's mystery. Three prospects generally are considered the best � LSU quarterback Joe Burrow, Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Ohio State defensive end Chase Young � and the Lions have a multitude of options, including a trade.
This is the best time of year for Lions fans, also known as the worst time of year, because teams aren't built on conjecture and fanciful trade ideas. From the outside, the Lions are a puddle of contradictions and conundrums. This is not unusual in the offseason, except that the GM and head coach are under increasing pressure, which makes the next two or three major decisions potentially career-altering.
This is not just about Stafford or Tagovailoa, or whether Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah or Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown make more sense at No. 3. It's about the team's direction, which remains poorly defined.
For instance, Quinn said the Lions are "exploring" a trade of Darius Slay, arguably their best defensive player, which seems to contradict a "win-now" edict that may or may not actually exist. Martha Ford's statement Dec. 17 set an expectation for the Lions to be a "playoff contender" in 2020, which sounds more like a "win-a-bit-more" edict after going 3-12-1.
The Lions' objectives for the present and future have never been in greater conflict. Slay, 29, is a top cornerback entering the final year of his contract and isn't bashful about seeking a raise or speaking his mind. Logically, if the Lions want to improve a defense ranked 31st, they'd keep one of their few stalwarts. Naturally, it's not that simple, and the reasons could be prudent or dumb.
Quinntricia can't be patient or arrogant, not if their job status is legitimately in danger. But again, the conflict. It'd be prudent for the future to trade Slay, before he hits 30 with a hefty contract. It'd be dumb if they traded him because he didn't fit their culture or scheme, which aren't remotely strong enough to supersede talent.
