The Facts:
Just 25 and with a handful of team passing records, Stafford has made it abundantly clear that he wants to be a Lion for the foreseeable future. The Lions, who have spent the past four seasons trying to construct their team around Stafford's considerable skills, feel the same way. That's why it's just a matter of time before the sides agree on a long-term deal that will keep Stafford in Detroit for years to come at a price that probably tops $100 million. Both sides want it to happen, both sides need it to happen, and it makes sense for both sides to get something done before the start of the season.
Reported by the Detroit Free Press
Fantasy Football Diehards Line:
So wrote Free Press beat man Dave Birkett, adding that even though Aaron Rodgers will have a new deal soon that will make him the highest-paid player in the NFL, but Stafford should be the next quarterback domino to fall, before Matt Ryan gets his long-term extension or the Eli Manning gets another megadeal. ... Birkett went on to note the Lions know -- at least they've built their team in a way -- that Stafford is the conduit to any long-term success. From a financial standpoint, it'd be risky business to let one of the NFL's most talented young quarterbacks play out this season with his contract as is, then enter the final year of his deal next year with a $19.3-million cap charge and (assuming he has the type of season they hope, expect and need) all the leverage in the world. Birkett adds that Stafford is motivated to do a deal, too. He likes it in Detroit, he's flanked by the best receiver in football, and he assumes some risk if he waits to do a new deal, too. A bad season, an injury, a myriad of factors could eventually cause him to leave money on the table.
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