Former Lions Pro Bowl quarterback appears on NFL QB rankings

The Detroit Lions saw their current quarterback, Jared Goff, make an appearance at No.8 on ESPN's annual quarterback rankings. The franchise also had one of their former signal-callers on the list in Matthew Stafford.

Stafford, who spent 12 seasons with the Lions from 2009 to 2020, came in at No.6 on ESPN lists. The rankings are decided based on intel from NFL executives, coaches, and scouts.

"He's tough as s---," an NFL coordinator said to ESPN on Stafford. "Elite poise and toughness in the pocket. The ability to throw with timing and location while he's about to get hit in the chin is among the best."

"A big factor for quarterbacks is what they can do on third-and-10 -- Matt scares you more than almost anybody in that situation," the coordinator said. "And he can make plays off-schedule."

Since leaving Detroit for the Los Angeles Rams in the blockbuster January 2021 trade, Stafford has elevated his legacy. The 37-year-old won his first Super Bowl in 2021 and has continued to strengthen his reputation as the one of the game's elite pocket passers.

Though Stafford didn't post prolific numbers in 2024, the former No.1 overall pick was efficient, tossing 20 touchdowns to eight interceptions with a 65.8% completion rate and 3,762 yards. He also led the Rams to a division title and a playoff win versus the Minnesota Vikings.

Stafford signed a two-year restructured extension with Los Angeles this offseason, keeping him in Los Angeles till 2027. The veteran signal-caller has just a few years left in his career, so we'll see how it ends for the former Lions star, who is still a fan favorite in Detroit despite all the success the franchise has had since his departure.

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