Twitter, Lions GM refute Matthew Stafford trade rumors

The recent trade rumors regarding Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford appear to not be true. According to the Lions General Manager, Detroit is not looking to move on from the former Georgia Bulldog QB.

Stafford, who ended the 2019 season on IR, is unlikely to be traded because the Lions coaching staff is in win-now mode and will likely lose their jobs if they have another underwhelming season.

Still, some outlets in Detroit and across the nation are reporting that the Lions have had ‘talks’ regarding their star QB:

Sources: Lions in trade talks to deal Matthew Stafford https://t.co/1lH2yRxGZx

— Local 4 WDIV Detroit (@Local4News) February 13, 2020

The rest of Twitter and the Lions organization shot down these reports:

The Lions aren't engaged in Matthew Stafford trade talks; here's how the report likely came to be https://t.co/gTAH82ActV

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) February 13, 2020

Kelly Stafford’s Instagram story regarding the recent trade rumors #Lions pic.twitter.com/6rWls3X2qz

— Bradley Marr (@Brad_Marr) February 13, 2020

Stafford is additionally unlikely to be traded due to this contract situation. His contract is far more tradable next off-season:

Trading Matthew Stafford would leave behind $32M of dead cap to the #Lions, a loss of $10.7M of space. Detroit has already restructured and paid out a $6M bonus for the season. He’s staying put in 2020. https://t.co/4DC96J5p2k

— Spotrac (@spotrac) February 13, 2020

I don’t care if Lions trading Stafford rumors are true or false. Because regardless, THIS IS GREAT FOR THE DRAFT! Make teams believe you’re considering it. Make teams believe you’re open to drafting a QB at #3. Continue to drive up the asking price of a potential trade.

— Mike Sullivan (@MikeSullivan) February 13, 2020

For all the talk of Matt Stafford being traded, here’s some facts.

* Bob Quinn refuted it immediately. “100% false”.
* Quinn & Patricia on a win-now mandate. Trading him loses them their jobs.
* Lions incur a $32 million cap hit if they trade him.
* It’s draft silly season.

— Three Yards Per Carry (@3YardsPerCarry) February 13, 2020

Lions GM on Matthew Stafford trade report: '100% False!!'https://t.co/P1a2wx56X9 pic.twitter.com/wUDX3pSiPg

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) February 13, 2020

The Lions are putting out the greatest smokescreen in NFL history with the Stafford trade news. Even got Stafford's wife to buy-in. Amazing.

— Isaac (@WorldofIsaac) February 13, 2020

Lions would incur a $32M cap hit if they traded Stafford this year. It’s only $21.3M if they keep him. Fun speculation, but nearly impossible to trade Stafford before 2021 offseason. https://t.co/EwE1srfvik

— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) February 13, 2020

Stafford was fantastic in 2019, so that makes this rumor even less likely. Stafford threw 19 touchdowns and only five interceptions in eight games. He posted a career high 106.0 quarterback rating.

You guys need to stop trying to ship Matthew Stafford out of town.

MATTHEW 👏🏻 STAFFORD 👏🏻 ISN’T 👏🏻 THE 👏🏻 PROBLEM 👏🏻

— Tony Dombrowski (@tonydombrowski) February 13, 2020

I do think it is possible for the Lions to be involved in a first round draft day trade. With the third overall pick and NFL teams desperate to find a suitable QB, expect teams to be calling to move up and select Tua Tagovailoa, assuming Tagovailoa has good medicals at the NFL Combine. The Miami Dolphins, who pick fifth, and have loads of picks are a candidate to select Tua. Will they trade up to do so?

To move up for Tua Tagovailoa, the Miami Dolphins should be willing to trade _____________ pic.twitter.com/YHksZGrtaW

— PFF (@PFF) February 13, 2020