7 possible replacements for Matthew Stafford in Detroit

Philip Rivers, QB – Indianapolis Colts

Recently turning 39-years old, it’s unclear if Philip Rivers will choose to retire this offseason. Perhaps the new regime in Detroit would be able to change his mind.

The longtime starting quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers spent this past season leading the Indianapolis Colts to an 11-5 record and a postseason loss to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round.

Outside of Prescott, Rivers might be the most talented quarterback expected to hit free agency. But his age and his mulling retirement are both factors that land him fairly low on this list.

If the Lions did sign someone like Rivers, it again would be as a bridge player to another, younger quarterback. And if that’s the case, why not just keep Stafford another year in Detroit?

The only scenario we see that makes sense is if Stafford is seen as a hot trade commodity this offseason and the Lions are forced to part ways with him because the compensation is simply too good. In that case, signing someone like Rivers to start under center while grooming the franchise’s future passer could be an option.