Matthew Stafford: I didn't want trade to 'a few teams'

Matthew Stafford is clarifying a report that he wanted to avoid a trade to the Patriots. Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Matthew Stafford: There were 'a few teams' I didn't want to be traded to

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 2/14/21

A report earlier this offseason stated that former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford would be willing to play for any team but the New England Patriots.

On Sunday, Stafford clarified that report, saying there were a few teams he didn't want to be traded to, according to Mitch Albom of the Detroit Free Press. However, he didn't confirm or deny the report that he didn't want to play for the Patriots:

"What's accurate is — and this is an incredible thing by [the Lions] — I asked to go to a team that was ready to win a championship. And, you know, there were a few teams on that list. There were a few teams that were not on that list. And they were respectful of that and understood completely. I had thoughts and reasons for each one of them."

The Patriots were once a premier destination for players when Tom Brady was their quarterback. Now that he's with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Bill Belichick's squad isn't so intriguing to some players.

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

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