Stafford’s Contract Talks Are A Great Sign For The Lions
By Jack Ozark
Yesterday monring, PFT Live spoke to Detroit Lions G.M. Bob Quinn about Matthew Stafford’s upcoming contract. Stafford is currently in the last year of his deal, and though he stated that talks are still very early the fact that they are speaking is a great sign for the team.
In Stafford’s eight seasons as a Lion, he’s taken the worst team, well ever, and made them into a consistent playoff contender. He has not only solidified himself as a leader on this team but also arguably the team’s best player. This past season he seemed to take the next step in his career as what we should be witnessing over the next handful of seasons is Stafford’s prime.
Related Story: Lions In Early Stages Of Stafford Extension
Hearing that Stafford and the Lions have already spoken is such a relief.
Even if Matthew Stafford doesn’t sign an extension prior to or during the season (which I believe is inevitable) he still shows that he’s not giving up on this team and wants to remain in Detroit. He could play through the season and try to cash in, but sometimes long-term security is more important than risking an already short career on one season.
Look to Washington and their Kirk Cousins mess as an example.The two sides hate each other but also need each other. That franchise a mess so I don’t blame Cousins for trying to get all the money he can if he’s playing for them. Stafford, however, doesn’t have to deal with that. He trusts Quinn and the Fords just as much as they trust him. This trust alone might actually be enough to get Stafford for a little bit cheaper than expected. Either way, he’s an NFL player, so people are going to call him overpaid. Basically, every player is overpaid until somebody else is over-overpaid, then that first player is a bargain.
Related Story: Counterpoint: Matt Stafford Has Not Earned An Extension
And again this brings me to my point from before, Matthew Stafford is just getting into his prime. The guy just turned 29 a month ago. His next contract will most likely be 4-5 years in length, meaning that it might be his last chance to cash in. Even better, in about three seasons it’s going to look like peasant money compared to other quarterbacks. So when Quinn’s first batch of draft picks are taking off, the savvy old quarterback will be leading all these weapons.
As I said before it’s relieving. The last thing you would want in the NFL is to be a good team with scraps at quarterback. Luckily, with Stafford back, Detroit won’t have to worry about that for a long time.
–Like SideLionReport on Facebook and follow Jack on Twitter @J_zark
Next: Mixon Heads List of Running Backs with a Troubled Past