Matthew Stafford trade rumors: Lions offers coming in ‘hot and heavy’

Rumors are coming in at a fast pace now, as the Detroit Lions trade talks have now been active for a full week. Depending on who you believe or who is leaking information to the media, talks are either heating up, or the Lions are trying to play everyone.

One thing seems to be unanimous among reports: a deal is likely to get done in the next week.

Interestingly, Lions head coach Dan Campbell did the media rounds this weekend to give updates. It’s a move of transparency that we’re not used to seeing in Detroit. Campbell told the Detroit Free Press that offers are currently “hot and heavy” for Stafford and that the team is still trying to work out the best scenario. He added, that while Stafford has a say in the process, they’re ultimately going to do what’s best for the team.

“We’re mindful of trying to give him what he wants as well, but he also knows that, listen, we’re going to find the best value for the Detroit Lions and what’s best for us,” Campbell told the Free Press.

To add to those rumors, the Detroit News is reporting the Lions have fielded about a dozen calls this week, half of which have made serious offers for Stafford. That means there are around six teams currently bidding against each other, which could certainly raise the price for the franchise quarterback.

Of course, it’s worth noting the Lions’ transparency here may not come without some ulterior motives. Campbell and company could simply be trying to drum up the price by feigning a hot market for Stafford. In fact, an anonymous league source told Josina Anderson the Lions are waiting for a “sucker” to emerge:

It’s worth noting this league source, too, may be motivated to alter the Stafford market by downplaying the actual interest there.

But given everything we’ve heard about the situation—and how many teams are likely looking to upgrade their quarterback room—it would be surprising if there weren’t a handful of teams with the Lions on speed dial.