The Detroit Lions have signed quarterback Matthew Stafford to a record five-year contract extension. The new contract makes Matthew Stafford the highest-paid player in the history of the NFL. The 29-year-old Stafford was set to become an unrestricted free agent after this season, so the Lions decided to ante up. The five-year extension is worth $135 million, which includes a $50 million signing bonus and $92 million, both are guaranteed money. The deal is $10 million more than the mega-contract the Raiders gave Derek Carr. Stafford is earning $22 million this year, the last year of his three-year $53 million contract he signed in 2013.
We have agreed to terms with QB Matthew Stafford on a five-year contract extension through the 2022 season.
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 29, 2017
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
Here’s how Stafford’s deal compares to Tom Brady, who is much older.
Were he to play out this deal, Matthew Stafford will have earned $246M by age 35. For perspective, Tom Brady has earned $196M at age 40.
— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) August 29, 2017
Here’s how Stafford’s new contract racks up to other sports stars.
Highest paid by average annual value:
S. Curry: $40.2 million
Z. Greinke: $34.4 million
M. Stafford: $27 million
C. McDavid: $12.5 million— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) August 29, 2017
Matthew Stafford will be the richest player in NFL history. His high school teammate, Clayton Kershaw, is MLB's highest-paid player in 2017. pic.twitter.com/NuSM5iHVqQ
— UNSPORTSMANLIKE Radio (@UnSportsESPN) August 29, 2017
Some argue that the Detroit Lions had no choice.
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
Lions QBs This Millennium:
Charlie Batch
Stoney Case
Detmer
McMahon
Harrington
Garcia
Kitna
Orlovsky
Culpepper
Shaun Hill
Stanton
Stafford— Kevin Patra (@kpatra) August 29, 2017
There is no question of Stafford’s importance to the Lions.
Lions win totals since 2001:
2
3
5
6
5
3
7
0
*DRAFTED MATTHEW STAFFORD*
2
6
10*
4
7
11*
7
9**made playoffs
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) August 29, 2017
Matthew Stafford: has averaged 278.0 passing yards in his career, the most over a player's first 8 seasons in NFL history https://t.co/nwirdN9d4v
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) August 29, 2017
Stafford has this incredible stat in his defense.
Since 2011, Matthew Stafford has accounted for 79% of the Lions offense.
That is the most by any player for any team.
— Paul Hembekides (Hembo) (@PaulHembo) August 29, 2017
However, Stafford also holds these less than desirable records.
Matthew Stafford is 5-46 against teams that finish with a winning record, 1-25 on the road.
— Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz (@LeBatardShow) August 29, 2017
Drafted with the top pick in 2009, Stafford has helped lead Detroit to three playoff appearances in the last six seasons. However, it is well-noted that the Lions have yet to advance past the first round with Stafford as their QB.
Matthew Stafford, who has never won a playoff game, is now the highest paid player in NFL history. pic.twitter.com/cmMyIxo3wb
— Mike Nash (@MikeNash15) August 29, 2017
Thats y the Lions are the Lions! Making Stafford the highest paid player?! Lets remind u, Tim Tebow has more playoff wins!
— J Hockeyfan10 (@JRSportsfan83) August 29, 2017
I have the same number of playoff wins as Matthew Stafford and he just made 135 million dollars.
— Hurley (@mikeehurl) August 29, 2017
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson was rethinking his position after seeing Stafford’s new deal.
Heading to backyard to loosen up the old arm after reading news on Stafford deal……. 🤑🤑🤑 #PutmeinBA pic.twitter.com/DRcfi2GYQY
— Patrick Peterson /P2 (@P2) August 29, 2017
Predictably, the internet had opinions on Stafford’s record deal and voiced them on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/AustinCTweets/status/902354292794896384
https://twitter.com/WorldofIsaac/status/902359513545797633
"Who is: Matthew Stafford?"#JeopardySports #Lions pic.twitter.com/Aq2dXIuckX
— Jeopardy! Sports (@JeopardySports) August 29, 2017
Stafford gonna throw for 90k yards and retire with a playoff record of like 2-3
— Trill Withers (@TylerIAm) August 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/AllbrightNFL/status/902361538069110784
My name is Tim and I am a fan of Matthew Stafford.
— Tim Goergen (@Tim_Goergen) August 29, 2017
Matthew Stafford at the moment…. #Lions #Stafford pic.twitter.com/KMI1DoGL8v
— Raiders Report Mitchell Renz (@MitchellRenz365) August 29, 2017