The Lions have agreed to terms with quarterback Matthew Stafford

[PatsChamp88]

According to Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com, Stafford’s deal is worth $78 million over six years, with $41.7 million guaranteed.

UPDATE: Peter King of SI.com has the base at $72 million, with a maximum value of $78 million based on incentives. Chris Mortensen of ESPN says the max is $74 million. All have the guarantee at $41.7 million.

Per: ProFootballTalk.com - $41.7 Million Guaranteed For Stafford

With the first pick in the 2009 NFL Draft the Detroit Lions have overpaid Matthew Stafford

 

[DefenseRules]

Per: ProFootballTalk.com - $41.7 Million Guaranteed For Stafford

Damn that's a lot of coin for an unproven rookie. They better hope that they got it right. WOW.

 

[PatsChamp88]

According to a source, Stafford will receive a six-year, $41.7 million deal that could be worth $78 million if he achieves all of his playing incentives. The source also said he will receive $41.7 million in guarantees. That tops the $41 million in guarantees Albert Haynesworth received from the Washington Redskins.

The Stafford deal is the richest given to a draft choice in history, topping the five-year, $57.5 million contract the Dolphins gave to tackle Jake Long last season and the six-year, $72 million contract Matt Ryan received from the Atlanta Falcons.

Some more info this is ridiculous, only the Lions (and couple other teams)

 

[Michael]

Anyone catch him on Late Nite With Jimmy Fallon? Fallon was throwing plates in the air and Stafford was shattering them with footballs. He only missed 1.

 

[SaCaCh]

I now will predict that Stafford will go number one in the draft!

 

[muslimman]

I honestly hope that this guy lives up to every penny of that $78 million. Mainly because I pity the Detriot Lions.

 

[DefenseRules]

I honestly hope that this guy lives up to every penny of that $78 million. Mainly because I pity the Detriot Lions.

Amen. No team deserves some good karma more than the Lions.

 

[Deus Irae]

I actually hope he's an epic bust. It would give me the giggles about them not offering trades for Cassel. $74 Million with $41.7 million guaranteed? Let them choke on it.

 

[Tucker]

Good for him. Hopefully the lions can grab a decent OL with 20.

Best of luck to Stafford

 

[Sean Pa Patriot]

I actually hope he's an epic bust. It would give me the giggles about them not offering trades for Cassel. $74 Million with $41.7 million guaranteed? Let them choke on it.

like the pats would want that number 1 pick... please...

 

[PatsChamp88]

like the pats would want that number 1 pick... please...

Lions had TWO 1st round picks one from 0-16 one from Roy Williams trade (Dallas's pick)

Props to Mayoclinic didn't see his thread at first

 

[Deus Irae]

like the pats would want that number 1 pick... please...

The Lions still have the #20 pick in the first round and the #33 pick (second round).

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/tracker#dt-tabs:dt-by-team/dt-by-team-input:det

 

[Terry Glenn is a cowgirl]

Actually, Stafford has a lot of pressure on him.

You really cannot blame him for getting paid this much.

The NFL has made this bed.

 

[HEY BRO! WHAT UP?]

I actually hope he's an epic bust. It would give me the giggles about them not offering trades for Cassel. $74 Million with $41.7 million guaranteed? Let them choke on it.

You shouldn't hope someone is a bust because the team is dumb enough to hand them 41 million dollars up front without playing a down in the NFL. I hope Cassel proves everyone wrong by duplicating or exceeding his play from last year.

 

[Deus Irae]

You shouldn't hope someone is a bust because the team is dumb enough to hand them 41 million dollars up front without playing a down in the NFL. I hope Cassel proves everyone wrong by duplicating or exceeding his play from last year.

I hope he is a bust of Ryan Leaf dimensions.

 

[RayClay]

Good move. If they draft first another six times, they should be able to find a couple receivers for him.

 

[HEY BRO! WHAT UP?]

I hope he is a bust of Ryan Leaf dimensions.

I don't get it. Why? What do you have against this guy? Be mad at the Lions not Stafford.

 

[Deus Irae]

I don't get it. Why? What do you have against this guy? Be mad at the Lions not Stafford.

I have nothing at all against Stafford. He's making more than $41 million dollars, so he'll be alright. I want the players that the Bills, Jets and Dolphins draft to be busts, too.

 

[Deus Irae]

Good move. If they draft first another six times, they should be able to find a couple receivers for him.

They've already got one I'd like to see the Patriots end up with.

 

[ExeterSportsGuy]

If this signing isn't a cry for some sort of rookie system to be implemented into the next cba, i don't know what is! It kills me that a kid who hasn't even stepped onto the field will make more money than proven vets. PLUS put a huge dent in Detroits salary cap which will make it more difficult for them to put together a consistent winner. Getting picks 1-7 in the draft is more a penalty now than what its supposed to be(helping a sucky team get better). Its ridiculous.