CHICAGO — Let’s be honest here, the Detroit Lions are an organization built on poor decisions and mediocrity. Even though they have a reputation that revolves around disappointment, they have made the playoffs a handful of times over the past ten seasons.

In their stretch of relative success, the consistent factor is QB Matthew Stafford. What do the Chicago Bears need to pair with their defense? A consistent, veteran QB.

What do the Lions need? Pretty much everything, aside from cornerbacks and runningbacks.

Rodgers jokes about Mahomes' no-look passes, then gives Matt Stafford his credit.

Respect.

(via @PatMcAfeeShow) pic.twitter.com/OgjDmbm3vG

— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) November 25, 2020

Why the Bears Need to Pursue Matt Stafford 

If you missed the news, the Lions have cleaned house. Head Coach Matt Patricia and General Manager Bob Quinn were fired by the team, after a painful 13-29-1 record under Patricia.

Are they really going to make a pro-bowl talent like the 32-year-old Stafford go through another rebuild? For Stafford’s sake, I hope not.

#freematthewstafford he is way to nice to deal with another rebuild. If he played anywhere else he would be in everyone’s top 5 every year.

— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) November 28, 2020

This move makes sense for both sides. According to Sportrac, Stafford is under contract for the next two seasons with a void year in 2023. This fits the Bears’ defense’s timeline, as they will likely be split up following 2021.

It also gives them a sure-fire answer at QB, and would then allow the team to use their early-round picks in the NFL draft to focus on rebuilding the worst offensive line in the league.

It gives Allen Robinson a Reason to Stay

Look what Stafford has done with his number one wide receiver over his career. He’s had a couple of incredible weapons, including Calvin Johnson. According to Pro Football Reference, Johnson averaged over 100-yards per game three years in-a-row under Stafford.

Stafford helped make Johnson an NFL First-Team All-Pro three times (2011-2013). Johnson retired early, but his six pro-bowl selections in-a-row combined with his physicality and stats put him up there with the all-time greats in NFL history.

You’re probably thinking, “yeah, but that was a long time ago.” Yes, but Stafford did it again just two years ago.

Johnson retired in 2015, and it would take until 2018 for a WR1 to emerge. His name? Northern Illinois Football star Kenny Golladay.

Stafford developed Golladay into a full-blown star. By his second year in the league, Golladay racked up over 1,000 receiving yards. By his third year, he tallied 11 touchdowns, over 1,100 yards receiving (7th highest in the NFL), and his first pro-bowl selection.

Allen Robinson deserves a pro-bowl QB. If the Bears role out Nick Foles and a rookie backup, why would he even consider staying in Chicago? Stafford gives a 26-year-old Robinson a chance to thrive in what will likely be his last two or three seasons at this level of play.

Nick Foles, Mitch Trubisky, Sam Darnold, Jameis Winston, or whoever the Bears are considering next year don’t.

What would that mean for Nick Foles? 

It would put Foles back into a place that he deserves and thrives in: the number two option. Foles is not making a crazy amount of money, although some may argue it’s too much for a backup.

Foles will make $4 million next season and $4 million in 2022. Comparing that salary to this year’s backups, Foles will likely be the 6-9 highest-paid backup in the league.

Marcus Marriota makes $7.5 million as a backup, Taysom Hill makes just under $9 million,  Case Keenum is making $5.5 million, and Alex Smith is making $16 million.

So, what’s my point? Giving Nick Foles $4 million as a backup is more than reasonable.

Will Detroit Trade Stafford within NFC North?

This is the biggest question of all, surrounding this scenario. I have no insider information on this whatsoever, but I would say chances are overwhelmingly against that happening.

However, if the Bears can put together a big enough trade package the Lions would be foolish not to consider any and all options for their aging QB. With the direction they’re heading, it’d be surprising if they chose not to shop Stafford to a contender this offseason.

Stafford is 32-years-old and making a lot of money. The Lions have some nice, young talent on both sides of the ball, but as things stand right now they are nowhere close to contending. Adding another star on defense and a few picks to their stockpile will get them closer to that watermark, and they happen to be two things the Bears can provide.

Time will tell, as this year’s trade deadline has passed. But if the Lions remain on the same path this season and finish well under .500, they should expect contending teams that need QBs to come calling about the under-appreciated Matthew Stafford.