The Facts:
For the second straight off-season, the Lions will look to one of their high-priced offensive stars to help solve their salary-cap problems. Last year, the Lions created nearly $10 million in cap room by making Calvin Johnson the richest receiver in NFL history, and they could free up another large chunk of money by giving Stafford a similar deal this spring.
Reported by the Detroit Free Press
Fantasy Football Diehards Line:
According to Free Press staffer Dave Birkett, general manager Martin Mayhew said he hopes to work out a new deal with his quarterback before the start of free agency in March, which would help the Lions replenish a roster that has 23 unrestricted free agents and a draft class to sign. Stafford's cap figure for next year is $20.3 million -- Johnson's was $21.1 million when he got his new contract -- and the Lions have $124.6 million in current 2013 cap commitments, with some escalators and credits still to be factored in. The NFL salary cap is expected to be about $121 million, and the Lions have a $467,000 cap carryover from this year. The Lions must be under the cap by 4 p.m. March 12.
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