Lions Sign Matt Stafford

[mayoclinic]

Per ESPN and CNNSI (breaking news, on their home page, no link yet), Detroit has signed Matt Stafford to a 6 year deal worth $78M with $41.7M guaranteed - more than Matt Ryan got.

 

[WaterfallJumper]

The Curry dream lives on!

Seriously, though, that's not a bad deal, considering Ryan was #3 last year, and Stafford is #1. Kid made out like a bandit . . . good luck to him!

 

[Ochmed Jones]

Detroit has to feel good about getting a deal done before the draft, but I am not sure Stafford is a franchise QB.

 

[mayoclinic]

Detroit has to feel good about getting a deal done before the draft, but I am not sure Stafford is a franchise QB.

I think Stafford is a better fit for Detroit than Sanchez would be, but I like Sanchez better as a prospect. I'll take Matt Ryan over Stafford any day - give up a little bit in terms of arm strength but more than make up for it in terms of accuracy and poise.

A lot will depend on how Detroit develops Stafford. I hope for their sake and the kid's that they do it right and don't rush him in. He won't have Matt Ryan success, whatever else happens.

 

[WaterfallJumper]

I've watched a few of his games. I think he certainly can develop into a franchise QB, but it will be good for him to set on the bench for a couple years. Let Culpepper start; he was a pro bowler at one time. And don't say it was just because of Moss, because Calvin Johnson is almost as good. So give the man a chance, and let Stafford do mop up duty to acclimate to the speed of the game. He'll do just fine.

If he starts right off, though, he's going to be a bust of epic proportions. Then again, I doubt he'd care. $41.7 Mil takes the edge off failure, I'll bet.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

I've watched a few of his games. I think he certainly can develop into a franchise QB, but it will be good for him to set on the bench for a couple years. Let Culpepper start; he was a pro bowler at one time. And don't say it was just because of Moss, because Calvin Johnson is almost as good. So give the man a chance, and let Stafford do mop up duty to acclimate to the speed of the game. He'll do just fine.

If he starts right off, though, he's going to be a bust of epic proportions. Then again, I doubt he'd care. $41.7 Mil takes the edge off failure, I'll bet.

I think 41 million takes a lot off for sure. However a year on the bench would be great for him. Especially if Detriot can get Beatty at #20 to help on the OL.

 

[TriplecHamp]

Good for them, Good luck to Stafford and the Lions and I hope it works out for them. I was really hoping it would be a surprise but this was expected.

 

[TealSox]

Congrats to the Lions!

They have a good coaching staff, involved owner and a questionably supportive fan-base. Stafford should benefit from all of the above, not to mention Kevin Smith and Calvin Johnson are nothing short of studs on the offensive end.

Notable moves:

1. Jim Schwartz signs as head coach (Belichick's coaching tree).

2. Defensively: Signed Grady Jackson (DL), Eric King (CB), Phillip Buchanon (CB), traded for Anthony Henry (CB) and Julian Peterson (LB)

3. Offensively: Signed Bryant Johnson (WR), Ronald Curry (WR), and re-signed George Foster (T).

4. Draft Matt Stafford and still have the 20th pick in the first round.

 

[mayoclinic]

Congrats to the Lions!

They have a good coaching staff, involved owner and a questionably supportive fan-base. Stafford should benefit from all of the above, not to mention Kevin Smith and Calvin Johnson are nothing short of studs on the offensive end.

Notable moves:

1. Jim Schwartz signs as head coach (Belichick's coaching tree).

2. Defensively: Signed Grady Jackson (DL), Eric King (CB), Phillip Buchanon (CB), traded for Anthony Henry (CB) and Julian Peterson (LB)

3. Offensively: Signed Bryant Johnson (WR), Ronald Curry (WR), and re-signed George Foster (T).

4. Draft Matt Stafford and still have the 20th pick in the first round.

So, what do you think Detroit does at 20 and 33? I would sign an OT at 20 (probably William Beatty, best upside as a LT, with Cherilous a natural RT) and James Laurinaitis at MLB at 33 to complement Julian Peterson and Ernie Sims at LB. But it depends a bit on who's available.

 

[mgteich]

probably Beatty and Barwin
They are looking for an OT and a LB.

So, what do you think Detroit does at 20 and 33? I would sign an OT at 20 (probably William Beatty, best upside as a LT, with Cherilous a natural RT) and James Laurinaitis at MLB at 33 to complement Julian Peterson and Ernie Sims at LB. But it depends a bit on who's available.

 

[WaterfallJumper]

They're looking for a MLB, I believe. Barwin is more natural outside. I think Laurinaitis makes far too much sense for them not to pick him. In fact, if they got him and Beatty, I think they would have the makings of a very nice, very talented young unit. They could surprise people with their competitiveness this year. Nowhere to go but up, right?

 

[patsox23]

I'm sorry, but that's an absolute ABORTION of a contract. The Lions overpaid for a guy with a big arm and, um...um...

He could be good, I guess, but more money than a far more highly rated prospected like Matt Ryan? They're NUTS.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

The reporting about two weeks back had Detroits decision makers in love with Stafford and most everybody else wanting to get a LT. I knew Matt Millen-trained personnel would go for the junior QB.

 

[Rob0729]

Wow! I think the Lions are going to be regretting this move. Stafford is clearly the best QB in this year's draft, but that is really faint praise. His only real competition for that honor only has 16 starts. People were comparing this guy to Alex Smith not too long ago (a decent QB who would go early in the draft because he is the best of what is available, but not really worthy of going where he did).

From what I know of Stafford, he is just a big arm and not a whole heck of a lot more than that. A big arm in the NFL can only get you so far these days. I may be wrong, but Stafford has bust written over him.

 

[TealSox]

So, what do you think Detroit does at 20 and 33? I would sign an OT at 20 (probably William Beatty, best upside as a LT, with Cherilous a natural RT) and James Laurinaitis at MLB at 33 to complement Julian Peterson and Ernie Sims at LB. But it depends a bit on who's available.

IMO, I think Jeff Backus holds the left tackle position, while Cherilous holds the right tackle position. I can't think of one player worth their time at the 20th spot. Defensive tackle should be on their list but I think the Lions should take Brandon Pettigrew at 20, who could benefit the team out of the gate with this ability to block and become a safety valve for Stafford in the passing game.

Then drafting Laurinaitis at 33 fits well but can the Lions take a Buckeye? Ron Brace and Ziggy Hood are safe picks here.

 

[TealSox]

From what I know of Stafford, he is just a big arm and not a whole heck of a lot more than that. A big arm in the NFL can only get you so far these days. I may be wrong, but Stafford has bust written over him.

Ask Kyle Boller about that. After his arm got him drafted in the middle of the first round, it didn't do that much more. I can see Matt Stafford being a bust because the plays for Lions. The sense of that comment is the historical mismanagement of the team, poor drafts, and logic of firing coaches every couple years. What... are we talking about the Raiders?

Anyways, Stafford can't start in 09. Management needs to have the resolve to know how to run their team better than break under the media and fan expectations to throw him to the.... Tigers? Nah, toss him to the Bears (NFC). If he starts and fails to amaze, the media, fans and team may see their hope chip away before the real deal is ready for the field. But I'm cautious; I would had sat Flacco for the year and went with Troy Smith.

 

[Rossmci90]

But I'm cautious; I would had sat Flacco for the year and went with Troy Smith.

I think that was the intention all along, IIRC Smith had an illness as the start of the season (tonsillitis i think) and so they had no option but to play Flacco and when he impressed they stuck with him.

 

[gomezcat]

So, what do you think Detroit does at 20 and 33? I would sign an OT at 20 (probably William Beatty, best upside as a LT, with Cherilous a natural RT) and James Laurinaitis at MLB at 33 to complement Julian Peterson and Ernie Sims at LB. But it depends a bit on who's available.

Laurinitis would be a good fit as would any of the pass-rushers can play 4-3 DE. Frankly, they need help all over their D. I like the Lions and really hope they improve. Their fans deserve better.

I haven't seen Stafford play, but he sounds like a fit for the vertical game favoured by Scott Linehan. As others have said, I hope they develop him well and are patient.

 

[gomezcat]

I think that was the intention all along, IIRC Smith had an illness as the start of the season (tonsillitis i think) and so they had no option but to play Flacco and when he impressed they stuck with him.

I think you're right, Ross.

 

[JoeShmoe]

One more OT could drop to the Pats in this case