Matthew Stafford: I had a good relationship with former Lions HC Matt Patricia

Matthew Stafford reportedly would have approved a trade to any franchise but the New England Patriots. Of course, the Patriots re-hired Matt Patricia this offseason after being fired as head coach of the Detroit Lions midseason, causing people to speculate that Stafford might not have wanted a trade to New England for that reason. 

In an interview with Mitch Albom of the Detroit Free Press, Stafford admitted that his relationship with Patricia was fine and that there were no issues between them. 

"He and I had a good relationship, no matter what anybody wants to say," Stafford said. "I could go into his office and talk to him, he could get me on the phone whenever he needed to. I think we both grew in that relationship. I have a lot of respect for him and who he is, as a football coach and an unbelievable mind."

Stafford also admitted that there were a few teams he didn't want to be traded to. However, he wouldn't confirm the Patriots were one of those teams. 

The Lions ended up trading Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for Jared Goff. Stafford reportedly preferred a trade out west.