On Tuesday, the Detroit Lions decided to give starting quarterback Matthew Stafford a new Contract Extension worth $135 million over the next five seasons, according to ESPN. The deal for Stafford edges out the recent deal QB Derek Carr reached with the Oakland Raiders that made him the highest paid player in the NFL. Now, the title belongs to Stafford, who has continued to put up solid numbers every season he's been in the league despite not being able to consistently lead the Lions into postseason play. However, Detroit has failed to put the right pieces around him to help give him a better chance atwinning a Super Bowl.

The team is hoping his new contract will inspire him to play at his highest level.

In eight seasons, Stafford led the Lions to the playoffs just three times. He has yet to lead the team to a postseason victory, and last season, they were blown out by the Seattle Seahawks by a score of 26-6. Although he's struggled in the playoffs, he's managed to throw for over 4,000 yards in the last six seasons. More importantly, in all of those seasons, he managed to stay healthy for all 16 games.

Does he deserve the big payday given by the team?

Many would say that Stafford does not deserve to be the highest paid player in the league considering the number of other good QBs that are out there.

He's yet to win a league MVP award or a Super Bowl ring. Still, he has managed to walk away with a bigger paycheck than everyone else. But why would the Lions award a guy that has yet to lead them to the promise land such a big deal?

In just eight seasons, Matt has thrown for over 30,000 yards and 187 TDs. Not too many other QBs in the league have been able to produce the kind of numbers he has in such short time.

His numbers prove that if he had the right pieces to surround him, he would easily be considered one of the top five QBs in the league. So, the Lions aren't making a mistake by giving Stafford so much money because he's earned it.

But if they're going to want to get the best out of their investment, they will need to start making the necessary moves to build the right core of weapons that will help the city of Detroit break the famous "Curse of Bobby Lane." If not, it will surely be $135 million wasted for no reason.

2017-18 season expectations

The Lions will play their final preseason game on the road against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday evening. After that, they will play their first regular season game at home against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 10. Detroit fans will get a chance to see if their QB will prove he was worth the extension and lead them to a successful season.
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