The stunning decision for the Detroit Lions to part ways with quarterback Matthew Stafford was not a knee-jerk reaction by either side to the latest hirings by the team. Per a league source, Lions Wire’s Erik Schlitt confirmed that Stafford first approached the Lions about his desire to be traded before the hiring process began in earnest.

The possibility of trading Stafford was integrated into the hiring and interviewing process. As Schlitt states, candidates were informed that trading Stafford was on the table if they were to take the GM or head coaching position in Detroit.

Also of note, something that has been reported by others including Chris Burke of The Athletic: Stafford himself met with the new GM, Brad Holmes, and head coach Dan Campbell and the parties all agreed to pursue trading the longtime Lions quarterback.