Lions give Matt Stafford the richest deal in NFL history
The Detroit Lions announced Monday they agreed to terms with quarterback Matthew Stafford on a contract extension through the 2022 season.
The #Lions and QB Matthew Stafford agreed on a 5-year extension worth $135M, source said. Huge.💰💰💰
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 29, 2017
The five-year extension is worth $135 million, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The deal includes a $50 million signing bonus and $92 million in guaranteed money, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
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
Before the contract was finalized, Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr was the NFL’s richest player, with a deal that pays him $25 million annually, per Spotrac.
The Lions drafted Stafford with the first overall pick in 2009. It’s been a roller-coaster ride since that point. He’s showcased the talent that allowed him to generate so much predraft hype, but he’s also been prone to mistakes, with 108 interceptions and 18 fumbles lost in 109 career games.
Now it’s up to Stafford to build on his recent success. He’s pushed himself toward the upper echelon of quarterbacks, but making that kind of money means Detroit fans will expect him to put the team on his shoulders on a weekly basis.
