Former Lions QB Matthew Stafford Expected to Join NFC North Rival

Former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is being linked to a potential move to a rival NFC North team, which could make things even more challenging for the Lions next season. Along with Ben Johnson, the former Lions offensive coordinator now heading the Chicago Bears, Stafford could find himself in Minnesota, according to an NFL analyst.

In a January 19 piece for FanSided, Wynston Wilcox suggests that Stafford’s current trade value is high, making it a favorable moment for the Los Angeles Rams to move him to a quarterback-needy team. The Minnesota Vikings are highlighted as a potential destination, despite already having quarterbacks like Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, and J.J. McCarthy on their roster. However, Wilcox believes that if the Vikings wanted to change things up, Stafford could be a solid upgrade.

He points out that Stafford could elevate the Vikings’ offense from Cooper Kupp or Puka Nacua to Justin Jefferson, potentially improving their playoff chances in the short term. Wilcox also sees Stafford as a mentor to McCarthy, giving the young quarterback time to adjust while keeping the Vikings competitive. Wilcox argues that with the Vikings aiming to stay in contention, Stafford would be a better option than Darnold, who struggled in the playoffs.

In addition to the Vikings, Wilcox mentions the Pittsburgh Steelers and Las Vegas Raiders as other possible destinations for Stafford. Meanwhile, FOX Sports’ Nick Wright proposed a more unusual trade idea. On January 21, during “First Things First,” Wright suggested that the Rams could swap Stafford for Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Wright believes this would be a bold move for the Dolphins, as it would indicate they are moving on from Tua in favor of going all-in with Stafford to pursue a championship.

These varying trade speculations only add to the intrigue surrounding Stafford’s future in the NFL, with potential suitors across the league.