Lions GM Bob Quinn Says They're Open to Trading No. 3 Draft Pick

The Detroit Lions are keeping all of their options open with the No. 3 pick in the 2020 NFL draft.

Speaking to Tori Petry of the team's official website (h/t Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk), Detroit general manager Bob Quinn said the Lions are open to the possibility of trading their top pick. 

"The higher you are up in the draft, really the sooner the conversations begin," Quinn said. "I have not had any trade conversations with anybody as of yet. Those usually tend to start in the combine in the hallway that we kind of roll through, and we'll see how that goes."

Depending on what the Lions do with quarterback Matthew Stafford, it makes sense for Quinn to explore every potential opportunity that presents itself. 

Bernie Smilovitz of WDIV reported earlier this month that the Lions have had trade talks involving Stafford "for a couple of weeks."

Quinn quickly responded to the report by texting Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press: "100% False!!"

If the Lions were to deal Stafford, it could indicate they are targeting a quarterback with their top pick. ESPN's Mel Kiper wrote in his most recent mock draft there is "some buzz" that Detroit likes Alabama star Tua Tagovailoa. 

Assuming Stafford returns at full strength after missing the final eight games last season due to non-displaced fractures in his spine, the Lions are operating in a position of power with the No. 3 pick.

Stafford is only 32 years old and was in the midst of a terrific 2019 prior to getting injured. He threw for 2,499 yards with 19 touchdowns and a 64.3 percent completion rate in eight games.

If the Lions choose to stick with him, they can explore the trade market for teams looking to select a top-three player. But if they covet one of the quarterbacks, they can instead keep their own pick and look to deal Stafford this offseason.