Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford era to end with a trade

The Detroit Lions have made losing an art form, but somehow in the midst of all that mediocrity, they have still fielded some outstanding players.

Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson are two of the game’s transcendent players that were eaten up by this sad-sack franchise. Now we can add one more name to the list; Matthew Stafford.

In breaking news yesterday, it was revealed that Matthew Stafford and new Lions general manager Brad Holmes, as well as new head coach Dan Campbell, decided that it would be in both party’s best interests to part ways.

Now for the first time since April 25th, 2009 when the Detroit Lions used the first pick in the NFL draft to select Matthew Stafford, they are in search of their quarterback of the future. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Stafford approached principle owner Sheila Ford Hamp about the possibility of a trade, but discussions were set aside until the general manager and head coaching positions were filled.

The fan reaction has been as expected. Matthew was virtually the only reason the Lions had a pulse. Besides holding every meaningful passing stat in Lions history, Stafford compiled 31 fourth-quarter comebacks and 38 game-winning drives all together.

Stafford is currently seventh in NFL history in fourth-quarter comebacks. A stat he will surely add to with his new team.

Yet even as Lions fans find themselves in shock and pain over the news, they almost all knew it had to happen. This team was badly in need of being rebuilt and keeping Matthew through yet another rebuild would be nothing more than wasting what time he has left as an NFL quarterback.

So as Matthew leaves the Motor City, in what has been called a ‘mutual decision’ the Honolulu Blue and Silver faithful will wish him the playoff success that eluded him as part of this accursed franchise.

Hopefully, there are greener pastures ahead for Matthew. He will certainly carry the well-wishes of Lions fans as he embarks on his pursuit of postseason success.