Detroit lions fans can like it or not, but Matthew Stafford is going to stick around for the next five years. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Stafford is going to ink a five-year, $135 million contract, which will make him the highest paid player in the NFL. The financial deals were reported by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
The new king of the NFL
Stafford was entering the final year of his deal and was scheduled to make around $17 million. Derek Carr of the Oakland Raiders was once upon a time the highest paid QB in the league by making around $25 million, but Stafford is likely to overtake Carr as the highest paid player.
The idea of Stafford becoming the highest paid player might become a shock to some given his offensive numbers. Stafford threw for about 4,300 yards last season and completed 24 touchdown passes with ten interceptions. These are solid offensive numbers, but they are not eye popping.
Stafford has led the Lions to the playoffs three times since coming into the league in 2009. The Lions made the postseason in 2016 before falling to the Seattle Seahawks. This past season was a tough one as it was the first season without Calvin Johnson who retired early. Stafford has also led the Lions to the playoffs in 2011 and 2014. The time he led the team in 2011 broke a 12-year playoff drought.
Others who are happy about Stafford's deal
The top tier quarterbacks in the league such as Aaron Rodgers and Matt Ryan are licking their chops at the deal. The two are due for extensions real soon. Rodgers and Ryan are both MVP winners and could make even more if Stafford is getting paid over $25 million. Kirk Cousins is another quarterback that is likely giddy with excitement over the new deal.
Cousins was franchise tagged for the second time this season and is set to be a free agent at the end of the year. Most importantly, Stafford's teammates are excited about their QB sticking around for the long haul. Wide receiver Golden Tate proclaimed his excitement on Twitter.
Distraction averted
The talk of Detroit was likely going to be if the Lions were going to keep Stafford or not.
There was whirlwinds that Stafford could walk after this season, but with a new deal in place, the Lions can focus on returning to the playoffs this season. The NFC North is up for grabs once again, while the Green Bay Packers lead the way. However, if Stafford can stay healthy this season, the Lions have a shot to compete for a division title.
