The Facts: Wednesday night brought a report from WDIV-TV in Detroit that trade talks regarding Stafford have been underway for a couple of weeks. The Lions swiftly pounced to reject the report. "100% False!!" general manager Bob Quinn wrote in a text message to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.

Diehards Line: Perhaps there is an argument for the Lions to move on after 11 seasons and withough a single playoff win. Dig deeper, and you'll find plenty of stronger reasons Stafford isn't going anywhere. First off, follow the money. In December, the Lions did a simple restructure of Stafford's contract, converting a roster bonus into a signing bonus. The move saved Detroit $9 million in cap space in 2020. However, it also means that if Stafford is cut or traded this year, the Lions would eat $32 million in dead money. His cap hit is $21.3 million if he plays in Detroit. That $10.7 million difference underscores that the Lions have planned for Stafford to be their QB even late in the season when he was injured and the team was already destined for a high draft pick. Next, consider ownership's mandate to HC Matt Patricia and Quinn to win now or else they'll be looking for new jobs in 2021. Even if a new QB would make the Lions more interesting, Stafford gives them the best chance to win this season. Couple that with Stafford looking the best he has in years under Darrell Bevell until the back injury popped up and you've got ample reason to think Detroit believes they can win now with the veteran QB. ... We'll continue to follow up, but for now we'll also take Quinn at his word.