Five potential destinations for Matt Stafford in 2016

Jan 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) is hit by Dallas Cowboys defensive end Demarcus Lawrence (90) causing a fumble late in the fourth quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium. Dallas defeated Detroit 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 11, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) throws the ball against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. The Giants won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Jim O /

3. San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers benched quarterback Colin Kaepernick ahead of the trade deadline, a move that revealed extreme lack of faith in the man who led the team to a Super Bowl in 2012. Kaepernick has regressed tremendously during the last two years, and, reportedly, has not gelled with teammates.

The 49ers lost key personnel to retirement and free agency during the off season, and troubles continued during the preseason and beyond. Recently, the traded tight end Vernon Davis to the Denver Broncos, and by all appearances the team is cutting their losses and focusing on rebuilding through the 2016 draft.

With no room for error or risky moves, Stafford would be a safe bet and an ideal fit for the 49ers organization. If the team invested in their wide receiver corps and offensive line in the draft, Stafford would have both protection and targets that could help transform the 49ers from the worst offense in the league to one that could contend more seriously in the NFC West.

Dead last in terms of points per game and yards per game, the 49ers salvation could be in the form of Detroit’s Matt Stafford. Both the Lions and the 49ers appear to be opting for a full rebuild instead of salvaging what they have. The 49ers could be one of the best fits for Stafford and give him a chance to be the backbone of a team on the rise instead of a cog in a dysfunctional machine.

Next: 2. Houston Texans

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