With Philip Rivers hanging up the cleats on Wednesday morning, the Indianapolis Colts officially have some big shopping to do.
Not only is there an opening at left tackle following Anthony Castonzo’s retirement, but now you add the need of a quarterback. This isn’t going to be a cheap off-season.
Could Chris Ballard actually end up saving some money at QB though? That could be the case if the Colts look at the idea of adding Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford. Compared to Rivers who made 25 million, Stafford’s deal is 21 stacks.
Over the last few weeks on The Ride with JMV, Stafford to Indy has been a common topic of conversation. JMV is all aboard that train. And for good reason. If one gunslinger leaves town, why not add another? Stafford has two years left on his deal at a very fair price and is coming off a 26 touchdown season.
The host of the “Locked on Lions” Podcast Matt Dery dropped by the show to chat with JMV on the Stafford hypothesis.
“I think Stafford is such a fit in Indy because it’s a win-now situation,” Dery said. “Stafford with Frank Reich would be awesome. I think they would want the Colts first round pick even though it’s in the 20’s. Indianapolis needs to upgrade from Rivers. It’s a no-brainer with Stafford. But don’t rule out teams like New Orleans or Dallas.”
On top of the first round selection, what else would the Lions want for Stafford? With a brand new GM and head coach, Detroit is about to enter full rebuild mode; Especially if they deal their franchise quarterback.
The Colts have the capital to get a trade done. But following such a dominating year on the defensive end, splitting up those big weapons could prove costly.
“The Lions need help on defense,” Dery added. “If they called Ballard and said ‘give us Darius Leonard‘ that’s not happening. They’re not getting a guy like (Julian) Blackmon either. They could really use a cornerback and linebacker though. Maybe the way the Lions would want to go is a pick and a player.”
Two weeks ago these rumors were just that. Now it seems like the Stafford talk is building some steam.
In terms of the fit, financial benefits, and upside, this seems like a home run. Plus, it gives Ballard’s crew another reason to potentially bring T.Y. Hilton back.
A gunslinger needs his deep threat first and foremost.
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