Quarterback Matthew Stafford is now the highest-paid player in the NFL after he signed a five-year deal with the Detroit Lions worth $135 million, a signing bonus of $50 million and $92 million in guaranteed money, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network Insider. With the deal, Stafford will earn an average of $27 million per year, surpassing the five-year, $125 million contract that quarterback Derek Carr signed with the Oakland Raiders. The new contract will take effect in the coming season, with Stafford earning a base salary of $16.5 million.
The Lions drafted Stafford first overall in the 2009 Draft to become their franchise quarterback. In his first year, Stafford threw for 13 touchdowns and 20 interceptions, his only year with a negative TD-to-INT ratio. After that, he has thrown for at least 4,250 yards and 20 touchdowns in each season and has posted a completion percentage of 65 or better in his last two. Stafford’s best season came in 2011 when he threw for 5,038 yards and 41 touchdowns with just 16 interceptions for a rating of 97.2.
Stafford led the Lions to three playoff stints
Since becoming the Lions’ starter, Stafford has led them to three playoff appearances but they lost in the Wild Card game each time. Last season, the 29-year-old Stafford threw for 4,327 yards with 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, leading the Lions to a 9.7 record, 2nd in the NFC North.
However, the Lions lost to the Seattle Seahawks, 26-6, in the Wild Card game after Stafford completed just 18 of 32 attempts for 205 yards with no touchdowns. Stafford hasn’t won a game in three playoff appearances with the Lions, losing to the New Orleans Saints in 2011, the Dallas Cowboys in 2014 and most recently, to the Seahawks.
According to columnist Jeff Seidel of the Detroit Free Press, Lions general manager Bob Quinn just won the summer after signing Stafford to the record deal that will keep him with the team through the 2022 season. While the numbers may be crazy for others, the amount is reasonable for both sides as NFL teams are having a hard time finding a top 10 quarterback like Stafford.
Stafford deal to open up big paydays for other QBs
Stafford’s new deal will lead to bigger paydays for other big-name quarterbacks, with Aaron Rodgers of the Packers, Kirk Cousins of the Washington Redskins and Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons. With Stafford’s contract as a yardstick, both Rodgers and Ryan can demand salaries of $30 million per year, creating a new record in terms of payday.
