Detroit Lions: What if Matthew Stafford magically disappears?

The Browns Way

The Browns have actually tried every way of addressing their quarterback woes. We’re going to focus on the fact that they traded for a starter this year.  In what initially looked like a salary cap move with a second round pick attached, Brock Osweiler went from Houston to Cleveland.

The trade netted them a second round pick, as well as Osweiler and his large salary. Osweiler is now competing for a starting job with incumbent, Cody Kessler, and rookie, DeShone Kizer.

So, the Lions would have essentially the same options that Cleveland had just a few months ago.

Trade for one of the following: Jimmy Garoppolo, New England Patriots, A.J. McCarron ,Cincinnati Bengals, Teddy Bridgewater or Sam Bradford, both Minnesota Vikings, Kirk Cousins, Washington Redskins, or a player whose team has drafted an heir apparent, like Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs.

Likely outcome

The majority of these options would cost the Lions multiple draft picks. Also, Quinn would probably have to negotiate a huge contract with the trade; similar to the very contract Stafford is currently seeking. I spy a Patriots player in there, too. Wink, wink, Bob.

It would keep the ship sailing in the same general direction as it is. Some would applaud this kind of change. You might still challenge for the division title, or a playoff spot, assuming the new guy clicked with his teammates.

The alternative is what happened when the Texans signed the same unproven quarterback, Osweiler, mentioned above; he struggled, the team lost games. There’s no guarantee to trading for a quarterback.

Long-term, the loss of picks could affect the ability to surround the acquired player with new talent, say a running back, for example.