If the Lions decide to trade Stafford next season, what teams would make the most sense, as far as available cap space and compensation? I will be the first to admit that I don't know much about the cap situations of any of the teams. But looking at the QB situations, this is how I view them:
1. Jets - Likely to draft Lawrence
2. Jags - Likely to draft Fields (or another QB)
3. Bengals - Set with Burrow
4. Chargers - Set with Herbert
5. Cowboys - Wild card, but assume they re-sign Dak. If not, could be in play but not likely
6. Eagles - Locked into Wentz's contract plus Hurts looked good in his first start
7. Panthers - More likely to draft QB or stick with Teddy B.
8. Falcons - Have older QB of their own already
9. Texans - Have Watson. (Pick belongs to Miami)
10. Broncos - Who knows what to make of Lock?
11. Washington - Need a real QB, play in the worst division in football, and have good Defense. This is the first real potential spots, imo.
12. Lions - N/A
13. Bears - Would break the "never trade to your division rival" rule, but they need a QB in the worst way.
14. 49ers - Jimmy G doesn't seem to be improving, I could see Lynch pulling the trigger on this.
15. Cardinals - Have Murray
16. Patriots - Rodney Harrison just suggested this. Definitely in the realm of possibility.
17. Ravens - Lamar Jackson. 'Nuff said.
18. Raiders - Never paid attention to Gruden's take on Stafford, but certainly could look to upgrade the position.
19. Giants - How do they feel about Jones? Don't see them trading for Stafford though.
20. Vikings - Similar to Bears, but Cousins is doing better lately. Don't see this.
21. Bucs - Brady for another year
22. Dolphins - Have Tua.
23. Colts - Very real possibility here. Rivers looks to be at the end of the rope. Good defense, good weapons.
24. Titans - Tannehill is doing what they want from him.
25. Seahawks - Russ is cooking
26. Rams - Goff's contract is already challenging
27. Bills - Kyle Allen is legit
28. Browns - Mayfield is winning for them and improving
29. Packers - Aaron Rodgers and already have potential successor
30. Chiefs - Mahomes
31. Saints - Could see the Saints make this move to replace Brees
32. Steelers - Big Ben is at the end, Stafford could be a great fit there, but this just doesn't feel like a Steelers move to me.
Looking at all of the teams, if I were the new GM in Detroit (please make him a good one) the teams I'd first contact are the Washington Football Team, Bears, Colts, and Saints. After that, I'd talk to the Steelers, 49ers, Patriots and Raiders.