© Kyle Terada | 2018 Sep 16
Of the talented veteran quarterbacks rumored to be available via trade this offseason, Matthew Stafford seems like the most acquirable from the 49ers’ standpoint. Not so fast according to former NFL executive Andrew Brandt, who told Murph & Mac on Tuesday morning that the Lions asking price may include something the 49ers don’t have.
“I think it’s Stafford seeing a new coaching staff after he’s been there forever, at age 32 and a bad team and he’s like ‘C’mon, let me out of here,’” Brandt said of Stafford’s rumored trade request. “I don’t think they want to get rid of Stafford, but I think they realize ‘we’re going to tear this thing down and not burden Matt Stafford with it.’
“So my guess is this is a package with the seventh pick to get to 1, 2, 3, 4 and take a young quarterback. That just seems to be the obvious thing for Detroit. I know Jimmy G’s not that old, but it seems to me when you’re tearing it down, you’re not really looking for someone six, seven years in the league, you’re looking for a rookie.”
If the Lions are truly set on acquiring a top four pick, the 49ers would be screwed when it comes to acquiring Stafford. It should be said, however, that the only team with a top four pick who the trade even sort of makes sense for is the Dolphins at No. 3, who are apparently questioning Tua Tagovailoa as a franchise quarterback. The Jaguars are almost certainly going to take Trevor Lawrence first overall. The Jets, who already have a quarterback they’re trying to offload in Sam Darnold, will take whoever they think is second best. The Falcons, at No. 4, have Matt Ryan.
It stands to reason that a top four team will not be willing to part with their pick for Stafford and No. 7. In that case, the 49ers trading No. 12 for his services could be viable, if indeed they are willing to give that up.
Listen to the full interview below.