Detroit Lions: What if Matthew Stafford magically disappears?
Quinn’s Legacy
To start, there are several ways to solve a problem like this. Ask the Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, or the San Francisco 49ers and you will see the three illustrations of how to approach a vacancy under center. All have dealt with a recent need for a passer. General manager’s determine much by how aggressive they are in pursuing moves, plus what options are available.
Some general managers, like Ted Thompson of the Green Bay Packers, forged his own path by trading Brett Favre after all of his success. Thompson replaced Favre, the former Packers Hall of Fame quarterback and Super Bowl winner, with current starter, Aaron Rodgers, before the 2008 season.
Rodgers had no starts under his belt, but showed promise. Rodgers has, perhaps, been the best quarterback in the league since then. At the time the move was controversial. Thompson has definitely put his hand-print on the franchise. Bob Quinn could see Stafford’s departure as such an opportunity. Although, we have no former first round pick waiting in the wings.
In fairness, Quinn has always been a public believer in Matt Stafford as an elite quarterback. For this exercise, though, we assume that he cannot talk Stafford into showing up or playing again for any amount of money.
The Cowboys Way
This is simple. You drafted two other quarterbacks in successive years, let them duke it out in camp and may the best man win. Dak Prescott, the Dallas Cowboys 2016 fourth round pick, had large measures of success and became rookie of the year after taking over for injured Tony Romo. Of course, he had a lot of veteran help, but it is not unprecedented for a rookie to come in and succeed. Jake Rudock, the second year quarterback, and rookie, Brad Kaaya, might be able to handle the task.
Likely outcome
Our young guys struggle and we lose a lot of games, most likely. Neither quarterback is elite in any way, and you’d probably be getting a very high draft pick to pursue other options.
Long-term, this would probably be part of a complete rebuild. It would free up a lot of salary cap, which might be used to address some other glaring holes. **cough**pass rush**cough**