It will be the first time in his career when the defender will play for a team other than Detroit.
Detroit Lions and the defender Matthew Stafford They agreed to part ways, so the organization will hear commercial offers for its former first draft in 2009 – the first general election – sources said. Adam Schefter of ESPN Saturday.
With new general manager Brad Holmes and new head coach Dan Campbell now in their positions, the Lions will soon begin commercial talks that will result in a new defender, heavily influenced by who would receive the Lions in exchange for Stafford, the sources said.
The Lions are expected to receive at least one selection in the first round, insiders said.
Stafford, the top pick at the time but did not have a playoff victory in his 12 years with the Lions, is expected to make a good change for several reasons. He turns 33 in March, has two more years left for a friendly contract with the team that will pay him $ 43 million (20 this year and 23 next year) and is still one of the league’s most talented defenders.
He will become the latest in a long line of defenders expected to be available this season.
In addition to Stafford being in the trading block, Houston could be forced into the same situation as Deshaun Watson, and Philadelphia could let Carson Wentz leave.
Indianapolis is set to replace the recently retired Philip Rivers, and New Orleans, Pittsburgh and Washington could face similar situations with Drew Brees, Ben Roethlisberger and Alex Smith, respectively.
Carolina will explore her options at this position and there are persistent questions about defenders with teams like Denver and San Francisco.
The free agent class could include quarterbacks Dak Prescott, Andy Dalton, Cam Newton, Mitchell Trubisky, Jameis Winston, Tyrod Taylor, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jacoby Brissett, Colt McCoy and Nate Sudfeld.