Fans react: Former UGA quarterback Matthew Stafford to become highest-paid player in NFL history
The Detroit Lions and quarterback Matthew Stafford have agreed to a five-year, $135 million deal that would make Stafford the highest-paid player in NFL history, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The contract extension includes a $50 million signing bonus and $92 million guaranteed, both NFL highs, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
We have agreed to terms with QB Matthew Stafford on a five-year contract extension through the 2022 season.
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 29, 2017
In his eight seasons with Detroit, Stafford has earned a 51-58 record, led the Lions to three playoff games in 2012, 2015 and 2017— all losses — and thrown for 30,303 yards, 187 touchdowns and 108 interceptions.
In his NFL career, Stafford has 5-46 against teams that finish the season with a winning record and 1-25 on the road, according to ESPN’s Dan Le Batard Show.
The deal eclipses the five-year, $125 million deal of Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr from June. Carr was previously the highest-paid player in NFL history.
The first overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft out of Georgia, Stafford led the Bulldogs from 2006 through 2008, throwing for 7,731 yards, 51 touchdowns and 33 interceptions.
Here’s what fans and NFL players had to say about Stafford’s record-breaking deal:
I have the same amount of playoff wins as Matt Stafford but he's worth $135 million? Ok. pic.twitter.com/23HCHMaak4
— Rob Van Auken (@RobVanAuken) August 29, 2017
🤑🤑🤑 #PutmeinBA pic.twitter.com/DRcfi2GYQY— Patrick Peterson /P2 (@P2) August 29, 2017Heading to backyard to loosen up the old arm after reading news on Stafford deal.......
RT if you're happy that the #Lions locked up Stafford for another 5 years! pic.twitter.com/hJsLlBPzUj
— Lions Daily (@CatchLikeCalvin) August 29, 2017
Stafford 92M guaranteed, which is 123M less than what his former middle school center Clayton Kershaw got in his last deal. #sitllaintbad
— Chris Rose (@ChrisRose) August 29, 2017
Matthew Stafford is 5-46 against teams that finish with a winning record, 1-25 on the road.
— Dan Le Batard Show (@LeBatardShow) August 29, 2017
BREAKING: We go live to the Stafford household! pic.twitter.com/DUY8YozefC
— Mike Mulholland (@mulho2mj) August 29, 2017
Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees when they hear Matthew Stafford is the highest paid player in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/jb7F74MBdO
— Austin (@AustinCTweets) August 29, 2017
Matt Stafford is worth every penny. Dont @ me
— Nev (@NevBackwoods) August 29, 2017
Stafford walked into the Lions' front office like pic.twitter.com/OZI7gGkQzd
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) August 29, 2017
Can't wait until Stafford brings a chip to this city and becomes the GREATEST Lion player ever.
— Detroit Moments (@DetroitMoments) August 29, 2017
No more talking about Flacco's contract, Matthew Stafford is now the leagues highest paid player. THATS LAUGHABLE
— Joe Schiller (@JoeSchillerr) August 29, 2017
Matthew Stafford, who has never won a playoff game, is now the highest paid player in NFL history. pic.twitter.com/cmMyIxo3wb
— Mike Nash (@MikeNash15) August 29, 2017
If Matthew Stafford were half as good at his job as his agent is, the Lions would be a Superbowl lock.
— Barton Deiters (@ReporterBartonD) August 29, 2017
Matt Stafford's agent is the best negotiator on the entire planet. You da real MVP.
— Jay Lo (@jaylormann) August 29, 2017
Congratulations to @KirkCousins8 on Matthew Stafford's new $135 million contract! #HTTR
— Trevor Matich (@TMatich) August 29, 2017
