(WXYZ) — The Detroit Lions and quarterback Matthew Stafford have mutually agreed to part ways, a league source confirmed to 7 Action News. The move was first reported by NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Related: Fans express sadness at news of Lions looking to trade Stafford, speculate on next team
The Lions are expected to begin trade options in the coming weeks. Both new Head Coach Dan Campbell and GM Brad Holmes were told that Stafford was not expected to be with the team before they were hired, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Stafford and the Lions have had discussions since the season ended. With the team rebuilding, Stafford told team management the time was right to move on and officials agreed, according to Pelissero.
Related: These are the records Matthew Stafford set during his time in Detroit
The 32-year-old Stafford, the first overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, has spent his entire 12-year NFL career in Detroit.
Stafford played just 13 games over his first two seasons due to injuries, but would go on to start every game from 2011 until a back injury during the 2019 season.
In 12 seasons with the Lions, Stafford completed 3,898 passes for 45,109 yards, 282 touchdowns and had a career quarterback rating of 89.9.
Stafford was named to the 2014 Pro Bowl and holds several Detroit Lions franchise records, including most career passing touchdowns, most career passing yards and most career pass completions.
