Matthew Stafford’s max deal still has many doubters

The Detroit Lions are in dire need of a winning season. Quarterback Matthew Stafford is the key to things finally going right.

This season for the Detroit Lions will have a great impact on the future prospects for the current management. General manager Bob Quinn and head coach Matt Patricia did not look great with just six wins last season. And they may not be able to survive another step backwards in 2019.

One of the big points of contention – and a big key for this team to actually start winning – is the $135 million contract of quarterback Matthew Stafford. That contract has since been surpassed, and it looks more reasonable now than it did when it was originally signed.

On Tuesday’s 3 and Out podcast, host John Middlekauff talked about which quarterbacks deserve “max” deals from their teams.  And Stafford was the first guy mentioned when it comes to overpaying at the quarterback position (05-28-19):

"“You just better pay the right guy. Because when you pay the Matt Stafford’s… He’s not a max quarterback. And if you max him out, you got no chance to win big. Because if you max out a quarterback, you want a chance to win big.”"

Middlekauff’s point is fair. Stafford has only three playoff appearance in ten seasons – all resulting in losses. And playoff success is the only thing equivalent to ‘win big’ in the NFL. Is Stafford actually capable of winning when it counts most?

Matthew’s contract keeps other good players from being acquired, so Stafford has to be that much better to justify his big salary. That’s what comes with that kind of pay day. But to be fair, Stafford has shown himself to be the very best quarterback this franchise has ever seen – a low bar if there ever was one.

Still, Matthew has given the team a consistent presence at the position. NFL.com’s deputy editor Ali Bhanpuri wrote about Stafford’s legacy with the team (05-28-19):

"“Stafford, the first overall pick in 2009, has often been really good — and at times, great — during his 10 pro seasons. (Stafford would have two Pro Bowls on his resume if not for monster seasons from Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees in 2011.) In addition, after an injury-riddled beginning to his pro career, he’s been ultra dependable for a franchise that has been anything but consistent, starting every game for the past eight seasons.”"

The real meat of the above statement is that Matthew has been consistent, while the Detroit Lions franchise is the model of inconsistency. It is a real problem. And for that, it is hard not to side with Stafford when there is constant fluctuations in management and coaching. Those changes have always resulted in sub-par rosters because the plan never stays consistent.

Stafford does have to do his part because of his contract. But he is also being asked to do less going into next season. That has to be tough for him. The offensive philosophy is ever shifting away from ‘go out and sling it forty to fifty times a game.’

It is clear that the Detroit Lions plan to be run heavy going forward, and are depending on their defense to carry the day. It is a different style of football for Stafford – no longer counting upon his big arm and fourth quarter heroics. This is all about keeping the game close and wearing down opposing teams with strategy, physicality, and toughness.

There is no doubt that Stafford will do what it takes. Statistics are great and all. But, at this point, Stafford may only be looking to add checks to the win column – to match up better with the weekly checks in his bank account.

While Stafford is expected to play much better than last season, there is an entire roster that must step up to make winning a reality. If it could all fall into place, this could be a special season to watch. It just feels like this might not be the year. And that has to worry any fan of this team.