It appears Matthew Stafford has a location preference for his next team. Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Lions QB Matthew Stafford prefers to be traded out West?

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 1/30/21

According to Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, trade talks surrounding veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford are "hot and heavy."

While Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press indicated that the Washington Football Team and Indianapolis Colts are "believed to be" among teams interested in Stafford, it appears the 32-year-old prefers to be traded out West, according to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer.

"Matt Stafford's preference is to go West - like the Rams or 49ers - but he may end up heading East, maybe Washington or Carolina." - @AlbertBreer
— Jason McIntyre (@jasonrmcintyre) January 30, 2021

It's unclear how interested the 49ers are in Stafford. Head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch have publicly voiced support for Jimmy Garoppolo to be the team's starting quarterback in 2021. However, that was before they knew Stafford would be on the market.

When it comes to the Los Angeles Rams, The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue recently reported that the franchise is discussing a Jared Goff trade with several teams. Los Angeles is reportedly considering trying to trade for Stafford, which would require unloading Goff's four-year, $134 million contract.

It's unclear which other teams located out West are interested in Stafford. The Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders don't need a starting quarterback. That leaves the Denver Broncos as the only other team out West that could inquire about Stafford.

Although he prefers to head West, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said earlier this week that Stafford "most definitely has his eyes on" the Colts. Indianapolis is in need of a starting quarterback after Philip Rivers announced his retirement.

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