Colts should do whatever it takes to trade for QB Matthew Stafford

Though it was thought that Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford would be unavailable this offseason, it seems the veteran will be the on the market. The Indianapolis Colts should do whatever it takes to get him wearing the horseshoe in 2021.

Given the options currently on the market and the fact that a strong quarterback prospect likely won’t be available with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, Stafford is currently the Colts’ best option.

It seems they have an avenue now as Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported that Stafford will be available for trade after he and the Lions agreed to part ways this offseason.

With the Lions heading into a rebuild and the Colts ready to win now, this is the perfect opportunity for Chris Ballard to strike.

It almost makes too much sense for the Colts to make this move. It may be a bit expensive, but it shouldn’t require a complete overhaul of picks. If the Lions ask for a first and second-round pick this year, Ballard should be popping the champagne.

That said, the Colts should make sure they do everything in their power to bring Stafford in.

As Jacob Eason is the only quarterback currently on the roster, a move to grab Stafford would make the Colts strong contenders in the AFC. They still need to add to the left tackle position and bring in depth on other spots of the roster, but Ballard should do his magic and get Stafford to Indy.

Stafford would be protected by one of the best offensive lines in the NFL to go along with what would likely be his first 1,000-yard running back in Jonathan Taylor. Then, the Colts have weapons in the passing game like Michael Pittman Jr., Nyheim Hines, Parris Campbell and Mo Alie-Cox, to name a few.

The other options aren’t all that great. Dak Prescott is likely to re-sign with the Cowboys. That means the best free agent available is going to be Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jameis Winston or Andy Dalton.

Then in the draft, the Colts would have to move up pretty far to grab one of the top quarterbacks. That’s likely going to cost them at least the No. 21 and No. 54 picks this year. It will be even more if they have to move into the top-eight picks.

Stafford is the perfect quarterback for the Colts right now. They are in win-now mode with a deep roster and plenty of young talent to put around the 32-year-old.

It might take a lot, but the Colts should do whatever it takes to bring Stafford to the Circle City.