According to Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, there is a lot of interest surrounding quarterback Matthew Stafford. Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press spoke with Campbell, who said that trade talks have gotten "hot and heavy."
Talked to Dan Campbell this morning. He said trade talks for Matthew Stafford have gotten "hot and heavy," and he outlined his vision for the Lions' future QB. You'll be happy to know the Lions are taking a long-term approach to this rebuild https://t.co/FFflM9T5Y8 via @freep
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) January 30, 2021
"It's pretty hot and heavy right now," Campbell told Birkett (h/t to NBC Sports Bay Area). "We've got quite a few offers and so it looks like we've got some trade partners, we're just trying to work out the best scenario and see what's best for us, ultimately.
"I mean, we're mindful of trying to give him what he wants as well, but he also knows that, listen, we're going to find the best value for the Detroit Lions and what's best for us. That's kind of what we're doing."
NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport confirms that the interest is significant and that fans can expect a trade before the Super Bowl (h/t to Patrick Tulini). He previously reported that about a third of the league had reached out to the Lions to inquire about Stafford, who turns 33 on Super Bowl Sunday.
The interest is significant. Expect a trade before the Super Bowl https://t.co/6dvbRxKQUL
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 30, 2021
Birkett reports that the San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts, and Washington Football Team are among the teams considered to be interested. There have been no official reports that Kyle Shanahan's squad is among those involved in talks for Stafford. Although, that has been assumed for some time.
San Francisco likely hopes to avoid surrendering its first-round pick, building a compelling enough package to hold onto it and add Stafford. Although, Birkett feels that the level of interest the quarterback has garnered might make giving up a first-round pick unavoidable.
San Francisco owns the No. 12 overall selection in this year's draft.
Text from league source on the #Lions trade talks for QB Matthew Stafford: "I'm sure they'll get a trade, but right now they're looking for a sucker to overpay."
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) January 30, 2021
