Matthew Stafford And Lions Agree To $53 Million Extension

Matthew Stafford and the Detroit Lions have agreed on a $53 million, three-year contract extension. According to sources close to the deal, the franchise and their star player worked swiftly to secure his services through 2017.

The source who revealed the deal spoke to the Associated Press under condition of anonymity.

According to the report Matthew Stafford will earn $41.5 million in guaranteed pay as part of the new contract.

Stafford was drafted by the Detroit Lions as the No. 1 overall pick in 2009. Stafford joined the team during a rebuilding period. The quarterbacks original contract was six-years long and guaranteed the franchise player $78 million with $41.7 million in guarantees.

During his first two seasons with the Lions the start QB suffered through injuries that slowed his progress. Eventually Stafford stayed healthy and led the Lions to their first playoff appearance in more than a decade.

In June, Stafford told reporters that the would continue to focus on his play and allow his agent to work out a deal.

“I don’t play this game to get contracts,” he said. “I play this game to win games.”

Last season the Detroit Lions finished with a 4-12 record after losing their last eight games. The season prior Detroit won 10 of their outings.

2012 was not a breakout season for Matthew Stafford as he threw half as many touchdowns as the previous season along with more interceptions.  In 2011 Stafford played a full year with 41 TD passes and a 64 percent completion percentage. Last season those numbers dipped to 20 TDs alongside one additional interception.

Over the offseason Stafford worked with Lions staff to ensure his injuries from the past were rehabilitated. Apparently the Detroit Lions front office believes the QB’s physical problems are behind him based on his new contract agreement.

In 2012 the teams quarterback broke the single season record for the largest number of pass attempts.

Do you think Matthew Stafford deserves his contract extension and its $53 million payday?