The NFC North looks to be increasingly challenging for the Detroit Lions next season.
Not only has their former offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, taken the head coaching job with the Chicago Bears, but there’s also speculation that an ex-Lions quarterback may end up with another divisional rival.
For Lions fans, it might feel like seeing people from your past align with those you’d rather avoid.
NFL analysts are now predicting that Matthew Stafford, the former Lions quarterback and current Los Angeles Rams player, might join a team that has historically been a foe to Detroit.
In an article for FanSided on January 19, analyst Wynston Wilcox highlighted that Stafford’s trade value remains high, making this an opportune time for the Rams to move him to a team seeking an experienced quarterback.
Wilcox suggested that the Minnesota Vikings could be a prime destination for Stafford.
While the Vikings already have multiple quarterbacks, including Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, and J.J. McCarthy, Wilcox believes Stafford could still be a great fit.
“Even with their current options, if the Vikings want a new direction, Stafford could be the solution,” Wilcox explained.
He also pointed out that Stafford’s presence would elevate the Vikings’ offense by giving wide receiver Justin Jefferson a quarterback upgrade compared to the Rams’ Cooper Kupp or Puka Nacua. “The Vikings can’t risk stepping backward with McCarthy or Jones as their starters,” Wilcox added.
Stafford could also serve as a mentor, allowing McCarthy more time to develop while ensuring the Vikings remain playoff contenders during Stafford’s remaining years in the NFL.
According to Wilcox, Stafford’s leadership and experience would be invaluable in helping the Vikings sustain success in the short term.
Wilcox criticized Darnold for faltering under playoff pressure, calling his performance “a meltdown.”
He suggested that Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, who currently favors McCarthy or Jones as potential long-term starters, might benefit from turning to Stafford if the team wants to compete for a championship soon.
In addition to the Vikings, Wilcox identified the Pittsburgh Steelers and Las Vegas Raiders as other potential landing spots for Stafford. Both teams could benefit from the veteran quarterback’s leadership and playoff experience.
Meanwhile, FOX Sports analyst Nick Wright also weighed in with his own trade scenario for Stafford. Speaking on “First Things First” on January 21, Wright proposed a one-for-one trade between the Rams and Miami Dolphins, involving Stafford and Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
“If I were the Rams, I’d call Miami and suggest a Stafford-for-Tua trade,” Wright said, emphasizing that no additional players or draft picks would be part of the deal.
He acknowledged that Miami trading Tua would be akin to admitting defeat with their young quarterback.
However, Wright argued that the Dolphins might want to take a win-now approach by bringing in Stafford, whose experience could help them make an immediate championship run.
