Detroit Lions: What would a complete rebuild look like?

The Detroit Lions have been disappointing under head coach Matt Patricia. If he were to be fired, we look into what a complete rebuild would look like.

Two years into the Matt Patricia era, the Detroit Lions have a combined record of a 9-19-1. This fanbase is divided between letting him go and keeping him around for one more season.

Although you could consider me on the side of giving him one more year, the idea of a total rebuild intrigues me. This is how a potential roster breakdown would happen.

Step 1: Trade Matthew Stafford

Let’s be honest here, tearing the roster down and keeping quarterback Matthew Stafford is illogical. Although I am an avid Stafford defender, it wouldn’t make sense to me.

The Lions would have to prepare to start over completely by hiring a new general manager, a new head coach. A whole new philosophy would need to be built in Detroit. This would take time. Time that shouldn’t be taken away from Stafford. So, the first step would be to trade him.

What’s Stafford’s trade value? Despite his back injury this season, I believe Detroit can get two first-round picks in return for him. In 2018, it was rumored that the Miami Dolphins were willing to give up their first-round pick that season and more.

This year, Stafford caught fire and showed the entire league he still has a lot left in the tank. He threw for 2,999 yards, 19 touchdowns and only five interceptions in eight games. I’m sure a team would be willing to give two first-round picks for that type of production.