Former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, of course, is currently with the Los Angeles Rams. But, could his future be back in the NFC North?
One NFL expert is speculating just that. He believes that Stafford could be traded, oddly, because of the mutual respect between Stafford and Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay. It’s an interesting thought, and it’s not the first time the idea of Stafford coming back to the NFC North has been brought up. Read on for the scoop.
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Could Matthew Stafford be back in the NFC North
Connor Orr of Sports Illustrated recently wrote about his 100 predictions for the 2023 NFL season. One of them is about former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford. In the story, first, he talks about the great respect that Stafford and Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay have for each other. He thinks this could possibly lead them to working together on the sidelines.
TAMPA, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 06: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams throws a pass in the fourth quarter of a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 06, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Could Matthew Stafford be back in the NFC North
Here’s the kicker. Orr also suggests that Stafford could get traded to the Minnesota Vikings. As he says it, “Matthew Stafford will be dealt to another team coached by a Sean McVay disciple.” Here’s his reasoning: “I can’t imagine McVay wanting to keep Stafford on the roster if the team isn’t going to be competitive in the very near future.”
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 30: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams and wife Kelly Hall react after defeating the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game at SoFi Stadium on January 30, 2022 in Inglewood, California. The Rams defeated the 49ers 20-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Could Matthew Stafford be back in the NFC North
Orr goes more in-depth about why he think Stafford will go to the Vikings: “Just about every team has a McVay guy on staff and, thus, a not-so-difficult process of ferrying Stafford across the country to a title contender. Perhaps the Vikings will sustain an injury at the quarterback position or are starting to get serious about life after Kirk Cousins. Just an example.”
TAMPA, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 06: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams runs off the field during halftime of a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 06, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
In conclusion
Even though Matthew Stafford has been gone from Detroit for a few years now, we here in the Motor City like to keep up with him. The idea of him coming back to the NFC North is interesting, for sure. It would totally change the dynamics of the NFL North. Will it happen? Well, Orr isn’t the first to suggest it. It’s possible, but I’m not holding my breath. In his story, Orr also talks about Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff’s possible extension and who might make it to the Super Bowl.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 08: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up prior to the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium on December 08, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)