Lions agree to explore Stafford trade; draft implications … In a story just breaking this evening, league sources are reporting that Detroit has agreed to explore trade opportunities for long-time starting QB Matt Stafford. According to the report, Stafford approached the team after the season end suggested that a trade might be in the interest of both parties. The Lions waited until they had a new G.M. (Brad Holmes) and head coach (Dan Campbell) in place and with them on board, the team agreed to explore a deal. Stafford, who holds just about every Detroit passing record after being selected 1st overall in 2009, has a couple of years and $43 million remaining on his current contract and is due a $10 million bonus on the fifth day of the league year in March., but with so many teams out there with competitive rosters but potential issues at QB – think Indianapolis, New England, Pittsburgh, New Orleans, Washington, San Francisco, Denver and maybe even the LA Rams and Las Vegas – there should be no shortage of interest in a quality veteran like Stafford. What it also means if the Lions do in fact move on from Stafford that they’ll likely be very much in the market for a replacement early at the 2012 draft where Detroit has the 7th pick overall. That will probably too late in the this year’s opening round to give the Lions a realistic shot at selecting Trevor Lawrence of Clemson and BYU’s Zack Wilson, the top prospects at the position this year, unless of course they find a way to trade up, but it could be early enough for a chance at red-chippers like Justin Fields of Ohio State and North Dakota State’s Trey Lance.
