As the Detroit Lions edge closer to the start of training camp, could a new deal for Matthew Stafford be closer than fans realize?
It’s been quite a while since Detroit Lions fans have heard anything about the team’s ongoing negotiations with quarterback Matthew Stafford, but if recent updates are to be believed, things are about to heat up in a big way.
According to NFL Network’s Stacey Dales, it appears the sides are closer to an agreement than it had previously appeared, and there is a strong possibility that something gets finalized before training camp opens on July 31st. During a recent appearance on NFL Total Access, Dales stated:
"In talking with a couple people that know this team, interestingly, there’s internal optimism they’re gonna get something done within the next two weeks. That’s the timeframe they’re looking at. And Matthew Stafford has been outspoken, he does not want this negotiation extending into training camp."
Dales went on to suggest that Derek Carr‘s contract with the Oakland Raiders will factor heavily into discussions between the Lions and Stafford, but made it quite clear that the team has no intention of moving forward without its franchise quarterback.
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"We know Derek Carr’s a winner. Matthew Stafford’s a winner. Yeah, he’s 0-3 in the Playoffs, but this team covets him. General manager Bob Quinn, head coach Jim Caldwell have been very outspoken, “this is our guy.”"
Indeed, the organization’s commitment to Stafford comes as no surprise. A month ago, team president Rod Wood stated that he’s comfortable doing “whatever it takes” to get a deal done with the face of the franchise (per Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com). Comments like these seem to indicate that the Lions are willing to make the former Georgia standout the highest-paid player in the league, if that’s what he’s targeting.
That distinction might rub some fans the wrong way, but the reality of NFL economics in 2017 is that the league’s highest-compensated player is always going to be whichever quality quarterback has most recently signed a new deal. Even if Stafford does sign the richest contract in league history, it will only be a matter of time before another franchise passer vaults him in the pecking order.
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At the end of the day, the most significant takeaway from this story is that the negotiating process is moving forward. It may take longer than the intended two week timeline, but it’s clear that both sides are genuine in their stated desire for a reunion. Whether or not Matthew Stafford becomes the highest-paid player in the league is irrelevant. What matters most is what he does once the deal is signed and the ink has dried on that shiny new contract.