Detroit Lions set at quarterback but window closing fast
The Detroit Lions are set at quarterback. They are in an enviable position, but the pressure to win is high because this window closes fast.
Free agency arrives on March 14th. The draft starts on April 26th.
As these dates grow closer, the Detroit Lions have some important decisions ahead of them at each position. In terms of quarterback, the work is done for 2018.
The current crop of quarterbacks:
- #1 – Matthew Stafford, 29 TD and 10 INT in 2017
- #2 – Jake Rudock, Exclusive Rights Free Agent (ERFA)
- #3 – Alek Torgersen, minimum contract for 2018
MATTHEW STAFFORD
At an average of $25 million per year, quarterback Matthew Stafford is the unquestioned starter and franchise cornerstone. Stafford’s on-field statistics dwarf every Detroit quarterback that has come before him.
All but one very important number: playoff wins. If he gets his first playoff win, Stafford will tie quarterback Erik Kramer for the most playoff wins in the past sixty years of Detroit football. Of course, while one win would feel good at this point, the expectations for Stafford are so much higher.
JAKE RUDOCK
Quarterback Jake Rudock can only negotiate with the Detroit Lions for a deal in 2018. Rudock is the number two, and Detroit seems comfortable with that.
Rudock could be traded in 2018. That could be an interesting move for Detroit. General manager Bob Quinn used a sixth round pick on Rudock in 2016. If the right offer came, like a third or fourth round pick, the Lions would certainly listen. Outside of that, it is doubtful that Rudock goes anywhere.
ALEK TORGERSEN
Alek Torgersen is nothing more than an emergency quarterback. Torgersen would likely be on the practice squad in 2018, as the Lions normally carry just two quarterbacks on the roster.
If Rudock were traded, Torgersen could move into the number two spot as the next young arm on the team. However, for Stafford, another year with Rudock would probably be preferable.
QUARTERBACK POSITION IN 2018
So, here is the Detroit Lions outlook at quarterback in 2018:
- Free Agency – No
- Draft – No
- Post Draft – Maybe
As far as quarterback, free agency is unnecessary for the Detroit Lions. If the right (and moderately priced) veteran quarterback were available, the Lions might have interest. However, this scenario would only happen if Rudock were lost to injury or a trade.
The draft is also unlikely with just six picks. However, after the draft, the Detroit Lions might bring in rookie free agents, who could provide competition and camp arms.
Overall, the quarterback position looks pretty flawless for the Detroit Lions. They have the right mix of talent. Outside of an injury, they have no reason to invest further in 2018. With this position locked down, the Lions can focus on other roster deficiencies.
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The next five to seven years represent the prime of Stafford’s career. The Detroit Lions must focus on building the roster and making playoff runs.
No excuses. No apologies. The time is now.