Former NFL scout John Middlekauff recently suggested that the "price of admission" to talk to the Detroit Lions about quarterback Matthew Stafford is probably a first-round pick in 2021. That's just to start the conversation. There has been a lot of speculation surrounding what Stafford might be worth to an interested team, and even some debate on whether he would be an upgrade for the San Francisco 49ers after factoring in age and playoff performances.
NFL Media analyst David Carr took a look at six potential landing spots for Stafford, and shared what each should give up to acquire the quarterback from the Lions. While Peter King of NBC Sports recently suggested that the 49ers packaging Jimmy Garoppolo and a 2022 second-round pick might be a fair offer, Carr feels it will cost more. The NFL analyst believes San Francisco should surrender two first-round picks to land Stafford.
Carr notes other comparable trades in the past. For example, a 31-year-old Carson Palmer netted the Cincinnati Bengals a first- and second-round pick in 2011. Acquiring "an inconsistent and injury-riddled" Sam Bradford cost a first- and fourth-round pick in 2016.
"I'd give up more for Stafford than any of those players commanded," wrote Carr. "With the going rate seemingly increasing for valuable players by the year, I'd actually be the crazy person who would trade three first-rounders for him. OK, I know that might be a little steep, but there are so many unknowns when drafting a quarterback. There would be zero questions about what I'd be getting with Stafford."
Carr notes that the 49ers already own one of the "most complete" rosters in the NFL. The result of this past season's six-win campaign had more to do with injuries than anything else.
"We know Kyle Shanahan's team is capable of getting back to the Super Bowl, and there aren't a ton of holes," wrote Carr. "That's why GM John Lynch can afford to theoretically give up two first-rounders. Sure, he could try to hold the price to a first and a second, but I wouldn't let the difference between these two options deter me from pulling the trigger."
Not mentioned is the excessive number of 49ers players scheduled to become free agents. Still, Carr sees a veteran like Stafford as a significant upgrade over Garoppolo, noting the Lions quarterback's ability to read defenses and find his targets.
"Garoppolo's contract is easy for the 49ers to move on from, as they'd take a mere $2.8 million dead-money hit if they released him, while saving $24 million against the cap," added Carr. "Whether by acquiring Stafford or another quarterback (see: Deshaun Watson), the 49ers should jump on the opportunity to improve at the game's most important position."
