Mathew Stafford is definitely a Detroit Lions franchise quarterback, and they made quite an aggressive move to keep him. With the new contract, that is the highest one in NFL history, this guy will be staying for a few more years in Detroit.
According to a source close to the team, he agreed to a $135m deal for a five-year. Prior to this extension franchise QB was in his last year of the $53m contract. The new one will hold him to 2024 season.
The main goal of Stafford was to get a huge paycheck increase, and he certainly did. Just recently we saw that Derek Carr received $125m for a five-year sign. One of the things that might persuade Lions to hurry up with their decision is the fact that Mathew stated that he would not like to drag the negotiations into the season and that he wants to get the deal done before Week 1 starts.
“I had no expectations going into it,” Stafford stated last week. “So, I’m doing myself and our team a disservice if that’s what I’m worried about. I truly am letting the guys upstairs here, and my agent, hash it all out. And, I’m just trying to be as good a football player as I can be and help our team.”
Stafford was drafted as No1 overall in 2009, and he received guarantee $41.7m which was a part of $78m six-year deal. First two years he didn’t play much as he was injured, shoulder and knee problems, later on, when he returned he was there for every game in the next six seasons.
In 2011 this guy received AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year award as he managed to throw for more than 5,000 yards. During that season he also helped his team to end 11-season long playoff drought. Another interesting thing about that run is that he was one of the main pieces on the field that allowed this team to set a record in comebacks. Namely, they managed to return in four games where they were losing by at least 13 points. On top of that, they were victorious in two games where they had 20 points deficit.
This guy seems to love tough finishes and during the last season they were able to win in eight games after losing in first three quarters. The team went into a playoff for the third time in last six seasons, but unfortunately for them, they didn’t manage to go through the first round. This is another “record” that this guy needs to break as it stands from 1991.
One of the problems is that Stafford didn’t have that RB star support on the team, plus one of the receivers was gone. Finger injury was another issue, and quite strong opponents prevented this man and his squad of going further. But without a doubt that was one of his best years.
With a strong arm like this QB has it is quite easy to throw passes deep down the field. He is quite precise and can easily hit small targets that are well covered by an opponent. Another great thing about this guy is that his teammates really like him which allows him to be a great leader.
Just like every competitive player he tried to improve and during this offseason he worked with Adam Dedeaux. He was in California at 3DQB place where both Drew Brees and Tom Brady went to train and develop further.
During the break between two seasons, both sides were trying to find the best solution to keep Stafford in Detroit. We could hear Bob Quinn, Lions general manager stating: “That’s something we do have on the agenda. … It’s a priority, but it takes two sides to do a deal. I’m not making any promises one way or another, but I’ve always said since I’ve gotten here that Matthew is a good quarterback and I’d like to have him here long term.”
Stafford stated that he would “love to” stay and sign another deal.” He continued “I’ve had a really good time playing here.”
