It is becoming the norm for a quarterback in the NFL to get paid over $100 million. While Detroit Lions' quarterback Matthew Stafford still has a few years left remaining on his original rookie contract, the Lions want to make the 25-year old the next quarterback to deal worth over the $100 million mark. The team is hoping a long-term deal can be reached soon.
Stafford's current contract has him as a $20 million salary cap hit in 2013. Instead of the team restructuring his contract, they will instead sign him to a long-term deal. He has proven himself as the face of the franchise and the player that can likely led the team to success down the road, despite going 4-12 last season.
Before Stafford, the Lions had not made the playoffs since 1999. They had a number of unsuccessful quarterbacks and numerous draft busts. They drafted Stafford out of Georgia in 2009 as the No.1 overall pick. In his first season, the Lions went 2-14, ending with Stafford being placed on injured reserve with a knee injury. He threw 20 interceptions in 10 games that season.
Injuries have been the crux of Stafford's success. He has had two injuries to his throwing shoulder, drawing panic in the eyes of Detroit fans. He picked things up in 2011, setting franchise records in passion yards (5,038) and touchdowns with 41. The team made the playoffs for the first time in a decade, going 10-6 in the regular season. However, Stafford followed that up with a 4-12 2012, despite nearly throwing for 5,000 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Now, Stafford will join the trend of signing contracts over $100 million. Joe Flacco and Drew Brees started the trend, signing the richest contracts in NFL history. Now, it is becoming the standard with Tony Romo signing a $108 million deal, while Matt Ryan and Aaron Rodgers will likely getting lofty extensions soon enough.
Stafford only has one winning season under his belt. In his career with Detroit, he has thrown for 12,807 yards and 80 touchdowns. He will likely sign a deal in the same range as Romo. The Lions believe Stafford is the kind of player they will build their team around and intend on paying him accordingly.
