The Matthew Stafford Bears story has been one of rivalry going back over a decade. Chicago owned the young quarterback for much of the early part of his career but he soon went on a winning streak of his own in the middle of the 2010s. Then over the past three years, the Bears returned the favor, winning four of five head-to-head matchups with the longtime Detroit Lions quarterback.
Now after 12 seasons under center, there is genuine speculation that the organization might consider moving on. Stafford turns 33-years old in February. He carries a $33 million salary cap hit in 2021 and the team is facing a possible lengthy rebuild following the firings of head coach Matt Patricia and GM Bob Quinn. With the 7th overall pick in hand, some are wondering if the time is right for the Lions to move on.
If so, is it even remotely possible the Bears could land him?
Most people will say not a chance. Chicago is a division rival. Why would the Lions hand him to somebody they’d have to play twice a year? That’s a fair point and a valid one. It’s rare for teams to trade within the division at all. Much less when quarterbacks are involved. That being said, it’s not like it has never happened. There are a few noteworthy instances.
In 1999, the Philadelphia Eagles sent veteran Rodney Peete to the Washington Redskins for a 6th round pick. Ironically enough, the same two teams would reach another deal in 2010 that saw six-time Pro Bowler Donovan McNabb go to Washington for 2nd and 4th round picks. The most interesting example though came in 2002. That was where the New England Patriots sent Drew Bledsoe to the Buffalo Bills for a 1st round pick.
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Matthew Stafford Bears trade hinges on next regime
Peete was 33, Bledsoe was 30, and McNabb was 34. So what convinced those respective teams that it was okay to trade a quarterback to a division rival? It’s a common answer. Each of them had a quarterback coming in they felt was the future. In 1999, Philadelphia had just drafted McNabb in the 1st round. Then in 2010, Michael Vick had emerged as a legitimate starter, making McNabb expendable. As for Bledsoe? He was cast aside thanks to the rise of a young former backup named Tom Brady.
So it’s likely Detroit won’t decide to even consider a Matthew Stafford Bears trade unless they feel they can get somebody as good or better. The quarterback finished 2020 with over 4,000 yards passing, 26 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. There are reasons to think he still has plenty of gas in the tank. He certainly has the arm strength to play at Soldier Field. Should the Bears make a push to go after him?
To be honest, yes.
Right now the team is in a bit of a no-mans-land. Mitch Trubisky is a free agent this March. They’re too low in the NFL draft order to have a reasonable chance of landing a rookie who can start right away. Giving up a high pick (probably a 1st) for Stafford is a worthwhile risk. Even getting two or three years of his customary level of productivity would be worth it.
Everything depends on who ends up running the new Lions front office and whether they’re ready to move on.