Detroit Lions: What if Matthew Stafford magically disappears?

The Forty-Niner’s Way

Lastly, new ‘Niners general manager John Lynch, a former NFL player, has chosen to address his need for a field general, for the time-being at least, via free agency and the draft.   Journeyman quarterback, Brian Hoyer, is the team’s starter.

Lynch also drafted former Iowa player, C.J. Beathard, to compete for the job. Additionally, Matt Barkley, another free agent, Chicago Bears, most recently, is also in camp to compete for the job.

The Lions would be combing unemployed quarterbacks for someone to start, or to compete for the job. Names like: Colin Kaepernick, Robert Griffin III, Christian Ponder, and Zach Mettenberger would be guys who are available that have some starting experience. None of these players have been Patriots, Quinn’s default preference for free agents, either.

This option might also seem better due to an unusually good crop of draft-eligible quarterbacks, too. Potential 2018 Draft entries include: Sam Darnold, USC, Josh Rosen, UCLA, Josh Allen, Wyoming, and Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State.

Likely Outcome

We won’t discuss any particular free agent quarterback option. You see the list. You’ve seen the Browns and numerous other franchises use this approach. Re-tread tires only last for a few miles, if you get my analogy.

This is another rebuild strategy, plain and simple. Really, you’re going for a 2018 draftee. The free agent acquisition is a thumb in the dike, or stopgap player. The Forty-Niners do not expect Hoyer to start for long. The Browns have done this as recently as last year, with Robert Griffin III. You lose a lot and then you go after your guy next year, armed with a top five draft pick.