USA Today via Reuters
Jan 3, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) drops back to pass during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 3, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) drops back to pass during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Matthew Stafford was the sole shining light for Detroit Lions in what was yet another disastrous outing in the league in 2020. They finished at the bottom of the NFC North. But, Stafford raked in some good numbers. The soon-to-be 33-year-old threw for 4,086 yards with 26 passing TDs against 10 interceptions.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
After almost 11 seasons in Michigan, Stafford informed the Lions’ management that he intends to move on and explore a new adventure in the second half of his career. As expected, they obliged. Stafford was traded to Los Angeles Rams in exchange for Jared Goff, 2 future first-round picks, and 1 third-round pick.
There were a number of teams interested in his signature. San Francisco 49ers and Washington Football Team were also interested in a deal, and so were Bill Belichick’s New England Patriots.
ALSO READ – Bruce Arians ‘Really, Really Proud’ of Buccaneers Running Back Leonard Fournette
Tony's Top Prospects For QB For OSU
Matthew Stafford had no plans of joining the Patriots
Matthew Stafford was a man in-demand since the advent of 2021. Reports indicated that Stafford and Watson were two of the most wanted quarterbacks in the NFL who were pushing for a trade away from their respective organizations. A good number of teams, both in the AFC and NFC, enquired about their availability.
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 3, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) makes a touchdown pass to wide receiver Marvin Jones (not pictured) against the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Stafford was open for a move away to most teams, except one- New England Patriots. NFL insider Tom E. Curran was the first to report the same. The reason behind that is the current project in Boston. The Pats are rebuilding and have no great prospects on the offense. It would be like moving from Detroit, to arrive in a similar situation.
The Patriots already have an important decision to make surrounding the future of Cam Newton. The former 2015 NFL MVP winner did not have the season he expected with New England in 2020.
Coach Belichick is under a lot of pressure to turn things around in 2021. Will the might Patriots bounce back? Time will tell.
ALSO READ – NFL Hall of Famer Expects Ben Roethlisberger to Come Back on ‘Reduced Contract’
