The Detroit Lions signed quarterback Matthew Stafford to the largest contract in the history of the NFL Monday night.
The numbers are simply shocking and massive. Stafford’s new deal is for $135 million over five years, $92 million guaranteed, and a $50 million signing bonus, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Matthew Stafford’s 5-year extension with Lions includes a $50 million signing bonus and $92 million guaranteed, both NFL highs, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 29, 2017
Lions and Matthew Stafford agreed to five-year contract expected to make him highest paid player in NFL history, a team source told ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 29, 2017
DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 25: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions throws a first quarter pass while playing the New England Patriots during a preseason game at Ford Field on August 25, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
I’m not sure how clear I can make the following point, but the Detroit Lions got a bargain with this contract. The Lions were a one or two win team last year without him. He had all the leverage, and the organization had next to none. There were no options on the table to replace Stafford if he walked, and the idea of getting a comparable quarterback in free agency is laughable.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk made a similar point, and argued Stafford even gave his team a discount.
If franchise tagged from 2018-20, Stafford would have made $120M over four years ($30M). He’s now due to make $151.5M over six ($25.5M).
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) August 29, 2017
I know the numbers don’t seem that way, but Matthew Stafford gave the Lions a hometown discount, in light of his leverage.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) August 29, 2017
Stafford is a rare talent. The Lions might have struggled mightily in the past few years at times, but only an ignorant football fan would place those losses on Stafford’s shoulder. Has he made some poor decisions during games? Of course, but he’s a gunslinger, and it comes with the territory.
As a Lions fan, I couldn’t be happier with this deal. Lots of excitement on the horizon in the Motor City.