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Detroit Lions franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford and the only professional organization he’s ever known have reportedly mutually agreed to part ways this offseason.
Having recently had veteran starting quarterback Philip Rivers retire earlier this week, and with a well-built, complete AFC contender ‘built to win now’, the Indianapolis Colts have now been picked as a popular trade destination for the former #1 overall pick and the Lions all-time leading franchise passer by many NFL mainstream media members.
Here’s what popular national NFL ‘talking heads’ are currently saying regarding a Colts and Matthew Stafford professional football ‘marriage’ this offseason—sharing a similar sentiment:
Denver
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) January 23, 2021
Indy
SF
My top 3 guesses
When was the last time the Colts had a boring off-season? Asking for a lot of Colts-reporter friends. https://t.co/ToDD2HHFkI
— Judy Battista (@judybattista) January 23, 2021
Indy, Indy and Indy are mine. #Stafford https://t.co/BLBrKkNlZ2
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) January 23, 2021
The Colts and 49ers are the two teams that immediately come to mind as the favorites to acquire Stafford.
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) January 23, 2021
For the Lions, the asking price likely starts w/ a 1st rounder and a day 2 pick (similar to Carson Palmer trade). https://t.co/kgarasZwqA
Indianapolis Colts, come on down https://t.co/UIS0bqA35t
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) January 23, 2021
Honestly excited to see Stafford anywhere else, but with Colts or 49ers likely it makes it even better
— Connor Rogers (@ConnorJRogers) January 23, 2021
Colts
— PFF (@PFF) January 23, 2021
Panthers
Washington
Niners
Which team should trade for Matthew Stafford? pic.twitter.com/mFKgY3amNn
On Matthew Stafford, the @Colts have Super Bowl-caliber roster.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) January 23, 2021
Even w/ retirement of LT Anthony Castonzo, O-line would offer Matthew Stafford a refuge in pass protection, a physical but diverse backfield with a very promising group of receivers.
That's one team, for sure.
I'd like to see Stafford in Indy.
— Scott Kacsmar (@ScottKacsmar) January 23, 2021
Matthew Stafford to the Colts makes a lot of sense.
— Adam Rank (@adamrank) January 23, 2021
The Colts are built to win right now. They have cap space … #staffordwatch
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) January 23, 2021
Matthew Stafford — Arm talent, movement ability, toughness. Fringe Top 10 QB.
— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) January 23, 2021
Can see multiple teams in the mix here. IND, WASH, SF, DEN, NE...@NFLMatchup pic.twitter.com/TtyS7vquTJ
I would LOVE to see Matthew Stafford playing for the @Colts with a great offensive line in front of him and complementary running game. The @Lions QB's future is something I'll obviously be discussing with Bill Polian 9 am-noon ET Sunday on the @SiriusXMNFL Tailgate show!
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) January 24, 2021
Colts should definitely jump on Matt Stafford. They also need to add some speed outside. They have a ton of cap room.
— Pete Prisco (@PriscoCBS) January 24, 2021
Of all the teams that should be all over Stafford, 'tis the @Colts in my humble opinion. Or IMHO, as the kids might say.
— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) January 24, 2021
Chris Ballard is a smart man. He knows what to do...
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) January 24, 2021
The Colts have a roster fully ready at every level to be a Super Bowl contender with a clear opening at QB. And it sure looks like they'll have a number of options to fill that opening.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 24, 2021
Good position for Chris Ballard and Frank Reich to be in.
The Colts become a Super Bowl caliber team with Stafford. Talked about it this week. That’s the move for Indy.
— Adam Schein (@AdamSchein) January 23, 2021
Niners, Broncos, Patriots, Washington also make ton of sense for Stafford. Among others.
But for player and team... love Stafford and Colts.
COME ON DOWN TO INDY https://t.co/7IOH09S3MS
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 23, 2021
Matthew Stafford is winning 12 games for a team next year. Make a move @Colts
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) January 23, 2021
Can confirm Lions are committed to trading Matt Stafford. Retooling with young GM/HC and looking to build thru draft. There will be a robust market. Have heard for quite some time the Colts were waiting to see what happens in Detroit and prepared to pounce a la Buckner last year
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) January 23, 2021
Put Matthew Stafford on a team with a strong running game and above average defense and he will win big. Colts, Broncos, Patriots, Niners among those who should be in play. https://t.co/1FqJHHpSwM
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) January 23, 2021
Matt Stafford to the #Colts makes too much sense for everyone involved. Make it happen.
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) January 24, 2021
If the Colts don’t pounce on Stafford moving on....
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) January 23, 2021
Matthew Stafford destinations my heart wants:
— Robert Mays (@robertmays) January 23, 2021
1. San Francisco
2. Indy
3. Carolina (Sneaky fun)
Matthew Stafford destinations my head says:
1. Indy
2. San Francisco
3. Washington
Sifting through potential Matthew Stafford suitors, the Colts feel like the most seamless fit.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 24, 2021
Indy has plenty of cap space (~$65M) to work with, all of its draft picks moving forward, a roster ready to win and will be hard pressed to draft a readymade QB at pick 21.