Detroit Lions agree to part with QB Matthew Stafford

The San Francisco 49ers offseason has barely begun, but it’s already shaping up to be one of the most exciting in the franchise’s recent history.

With questions swirling around the future of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, an obvious target is set to hit the market. Quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Detroit Lions have agreed to part ways this offseason according to multiple reports. NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero had it first.

Stafford would be an undeniable upgrade over Garoppolo. This season, the 33-year old completed 64.2% of his passes for 4,084 yards, 26 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions. While he has yet to have much postseason success, the 12-year veteran has been strapped by an inept Lions organization.

For a 49ers organization facing a salary cap crunch, Stafford would cost less than Garoppolo over the next two seasons as well. If the 49ers acquired Stafford and released Garoppolo, they would save $7 million in cap space. In 2022, Stafford’s contract would cost the 49ers $4 million less in cap space barring an extension.

While it’s unclear what the Lions will demand for Stafford, the 49ers are slated to have the No. 12 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, ahead of both the Washington Football Team (19th) and Indianapolis Colts (21st), two other obvious fits. The Denver Broncos, slated to pick No. 9, are the only team that seems like a fit for Stafford with a better first-round pick than San Francisco. Of course, the market for Stafford could require a package of multiple picks or a pick and a valuable player.

This is something the 49ers should be monitoring very closely.