3 veteran quarterbacks SF 49ers can trade for in 2021
By Peter Panacy
SF 49ers Trade Target No. 1: Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions
Like the Jets and possibly the Vikings, the Detroit Lions are also looking at a potential massive roster shakeup this offseason.
Their quarterback, Matthew Stafford, is a centerpiece, though, and it’s safe to assume he’s the best player on an otherwise so-so offensive roster lacking serious weaponry. However Detroit’s front office pans out this offseason, there’s always the chance a new regime would want to start over, and that includes who plays under center.
More from SF 49ers News
- DraftKings NFL Draft Promo – Win $150 Guaranteed on Any $5 Bet
- Updated 49ers salary cap space ahead of 2023 NFL Draft
- Deebo Samuel fully admits his hatred of LA Rams
- Brock Purdy jokingly says he’s learning to throw left-handed
- 49ers news: Trey Lance is in the dark regarding trade talk
Like Cousins, the 32-year-old Stafford has a lengthy pedigree and won’t come cheap. He’s currently under contract through 2022 with a voidable 2023 season at an annual average value of $27 million.
Of his $33 million he’s set to make in 2021, Stafford would cost the Lions $14 million in dead money if traded before June 1, putting the Niners on the hook for $19 million this upcoming season.
That number is affordable from San Francisco’s vantage point and actually cheaper than what Jimmy Garoppolo is poised to make, too. Except for the Lions, who’d be absorbing a significant amount of dead money, would probably be asking for a significant trade package in return.
It’s possible this would be the major deterrent.
Nevertheless, Stafford would be an instant upgrade with a far more potent offense than what he’s had in recent seasons in Detroit.
dark. Next. 49ers' 15 best first-round NFL Draft picks of all time
All cap figures and contract information courtesy of Over the Cap.