5 potential trade destinations for Matthew Stafford

The Detroit Lions have reportedly agreed to mutually part ways with longtime starter Matthew Stafford and begun listening to trade offers, meaning an upgrade at the quarterback position could be just one phone call away for many clubs.

At nearly 33 years old, Stafford likely has a few years of near-prime production left in the tank. His contract, once bordering on problematic for the Lions, has become relatively attractive. The former No. 1 overall pick is owed $43 million over the final two years of his deal - a bargain in today's quarterback market - and could conceivably renegotiate an even more team-friendly pact in hopes of facilitating a move to his preferred destination.

Here are the top five best fits for Detroit's most accomplished passer:

Indianapolis Colts NurPhoto / NurPhoto / Getty

Stafford to the Colts almost makes too much sense. Indianapolis has a playoff-worthy roster but has a big hole under center following Philip Rivers' retirement. Jacob Eason is also the only passer signed for next season, with Jacoby Brissett set for free agency. A possible move to the Colts would also be among the most appealing options for the veteran.

Indianapolis would present Stafford with a competent ground game powered by a top running back and offensive line. Stafford has rarely had the luxury of a 1,000-yard rusher during his tenure in Detroit but would finally get one in the Colts' Jonathan Taylor. The franchise is also projected to have over $68 million in cap space, per Spotrac, and could comfortably fit the passer's contract under the bill.

New England Patriots Boston Globe / Boston Globe / Getty

Cue the video of Bill Belichick walking through the tunnel. If the Patriots are looking for a painless way to get their organization back on track, they should look no further than Stafford. After a flier on Cam Newton didn't work out, New England could shore up its uninspiring offense with a proven signal-caller. Like any good quarterback, Stafford is capable of elevating the talent around him. He may not be able to turn scraps into gold, but he would make life a lot easier for the Patriots' skill players who had to deal with more than a few inaccurate passes in 2020.

Matt Patricia's expected return to New England - after being Stafford's former head coach in Detroit - only bolsters the ties between the two sides.

San Francisco 49ers Justin Edmonds / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Kyle Shanahan recently expressed belief in Jimmy Garoppolo returning as the 49ers' quarterback next season, but an opportunity to upgrade may prove too tempting to pass up. Garoppolo has managed to play a full season just once since joining the 49ers, and his $2.8-million dead-cap hit makes this move easier than imagined. San Francisco would have to do some accounting to make the trade work - the club projects to have just under $13 million in cap space - but the thought of Stafford operating an offense guided by Shanahan could be a dream come true for the 49ers faithful.

Washington Football Team Christian Petersen / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Alex Smith's comeback journey was the top feel-good story for Washington, but rolling with him for the extended future would surely produce more disappointment than smiles. Washington may have been able to sneak away with the NFC East this season, but banking on a repeat with its current squad is less likely unless the team adds a gunslinger. Stafford would join emerging playmakers in Antonio Gibson and Terry McLaurin while pass-rusher Chase Young complements on defense.

The 32-year-old's ties to Washington run deeper than just on the field - Martin Mayhew, who was recently named the team's general manager, was part of the Lions' front office that drafted Stafford in 2009.

Carolina Panthers Stephen Maturen / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was middling in his first season with the Panthers, prompting questions over his long-term future as a starter. Head coach Matt Rhule tossed a proposition in Bridgewater's direction, stating the passer must have a tremendous offseason. But instead of hoping for a fantastic offseason from the passer, Carolina should take its fate into its own hands.

Like many of the clubs featured, the Panthers would upgrade immensely with Stafford, and the two sides have history. Carolina recently hired Sean Ryan, who served as Stafford's position coach over his last two seasons in Detroit.

If that still doesn't convince the Panthers, they should consider this: Carolina has had just two quarterbacks throw for 4,000-plus yards in a season (Cam Newton, 2011 and Steve Beuerlein, 1999). Stafford has done it eight times since entering the league.

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