We looked at a possible trade from Matt Ryan. We have analyzed a possible trade of Aaron Rodgers.
Now we do Matthew Stafford, what is really available.
Stafford and the Lions agreed on Saturday to “separate from each other.” That is, the Lions want to rebuild and Stafford doesn’t, so they have agreed to send him out of town. And the 49ers should absolutely chase him.
Typically, teams don’t switch quarterbacks from franchises to teams playing in the same conference. But, as I wrote above, the Lions are rebuilding, so they gave new head coach Dan Campbell a six-year deal. They hope to lose. They don’t care about having to compete against Stafford in an NFC championship because the Lions won’t be playing at any point soon.
Which means the Lions will change Stafford to the highest bidder, and that could be the 49ers. They could send Detroit the 12th pick in the next draft.
But the Broncos could send Detroit to the ninth pick for Stafford, because they need a quarterback. And the Panthers could send Detroit to the eighth pick, because they also need a quarterback.
The 49ers could have a lot of competition for Stafford.
They could have to change a first-round pick and a second-round pick in Detroit for Stafford. Or two first round picks. Or two first rounders and a third. Or two first rounders and one player. Who knows? During supply wars fun things happen.
The 49ers should change no more than a first-round pick for Stafford. And even that first round would be rich for a quarterback who will turn 33 in February and has never won a playoff game in the NFL.
I hope the 49ers will let some other team exceed Stafford’s services.