We analyzed a possible trade for Matt Ryan. We analyzed a possible trade for Aaron Rodgers.
Now let’s do Matthew Stafford, the one who’s really available.
Stafford and the Lions agreed on Saturday to ‘divorce’. That means the Lions want to rebuild and Stafford does not, which is why they agreed to send him out of town. And the 49ers absolutely must pursue him.
Usually teams do not exchange franchise backs versus teams playing in the same conference. But as I wrote above, the Lions are rebuilding – which is why they gave new head coach Dan Campbell a six-year deal. They expect to lose. They are not worried about having to compete against Stafford in an NFC championship, as the Lions will not be playing one anytime soon.
Which means the Lions will swap Stafford for the highest bidder, and that could be the 49ers. They could send Detroit the 12th pick in the upcoming draft.
But the Broncos can send Detroit the ninth pick for Stafford because they need a quarterback. And the Panthers can send Detroit the eighth pick because they also need a quarterback.
The 49ers could have a lot of competition for Stafford.
They might have to trade a first-and-second pick at Detroit for Stafford. Or two first rounds. Or two first rounds and a third. Or two first rounds and a player. Who knows? Funny things happen during wars.
The 49ers should not trade more than a first round for Stafford. And even the first round would be rich for a quarterback who turns 33 in February and has never won a playoff game in the NFL.
I expect the 49ers will have another team offered for Stafford’s services.