The Detroit Lions recently locked down quarterback Matthew Stafford to a new three-year, $43 million contract extension. It ranks Stafford as the sixth highest paid quarterback in the league behind the likes of Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Drew Brees. While Detroit celebrated, several spoke out against the deal. Particularly unhappy was former quarterback Donovan McNabb who ripped the Lions over the deal.
"When you look at the numbers overall, you have to think about 12,000 yards and being the youngest quarterback to reach this feat and also the things he's been able to accomplish, you know you begin to question this," McNabb said on NFL Total Access. "It's about wins and losses again. Now, as a quarterback and as Matt Staford, hey, I would take that contract just like Tony Romo took his contract. But is he worth top-5 money? I would have to say no. And I say that because it's about wins and losses."
"What has he really done for the Detroit Lions? Nothing."
Stafford certainly has no reason to take these statements to heart. McNabb was forced into retirement while Stafford is in the prime of his career and getting paid the big bucks. The quarterback did take a moment to respond in the most classy way possible.
"I understand where Donovan is coming from...but as long as those guys in that locker room believe in me, that's all that matters," Stafford said on ESPN's Mike & Mike.
Way to take the high road. In McNabb's comments, he pointed out that Stafford's mechanics are an issue and his footwork late in games is hurting his success. He believes that Stafford's turnover issues and poor decision making keeps the Lions from being an elite team in the NFL.
Stafford should not lose any sleep over these statements by McNabb. First, the quarterback already put the pen to paper, so he is getting paid no matter what. Second, this kind of talk is the only thing McNabb has done all offseason. After Romo signed his large contract extension, McNabb laughed that off as well. Taking to Twitter, McNabb posted, "Tony Romo 6 yr 55 million dollar extension. Wow really, with one playoff win. You got to be kidding me."
Haters gonna hate, Stafford. The quarterback is right about support in the locker room. Several Lions' players have come out in support of Stafford. Reggie Bush who joined the team in the offseason believes that Stafford can be a Super Bowl winning quarterback for the team this season. Detroit fans hope he is right.
