Detroit Lions quarterback, Matthew Stafford, became the highest paid player in NFL history last night after signing a five-year extension which is expected to guarantee him a record $92 million, including a $50 million signing bonus. According to ESPN, the previous record for most guaranteed money in an NFL contract was the $87 million that the Indianapolis Colts gave their franchise QB, Andrew Luck.
Stafford's annual salary under this new deal will be worth $27 million, slightly ahead of the $25 million a year that Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr will be receiving.
Per ESPN,
"Under the deal, Stafford will be guaranteed $60.5 million at signing and $86 million by the start of Year 2 of the contract, which starts next March, a league source told Schefter. The full $92 million is guaranteed upon Year 3, the source told Schefter."
The 29-year old signal caller currently ranks as the Lions all-time passing leader in nearly every category. The former #1 overall pick out of the University of Georgia reportedly made $110,778,969 in his first eight seasons with the Lions, according to Spotrac, and was due another $16.5 million in cash for this upcoming season before he signed the extension.
Over the course of Stafford's eight-season career, he has played in 109 games with an overall record of 51-58. Last season he threw for 4,327 yards including 24 touchdowns. One of his primary pass catchers, wide receiver Golden Tate, congratulated his QB after signing the historic deal.
Per Golden Tate's IG,
"Congrats my friend, you deserve every blessing that's coming your way! No one deserves this more than you. The attitude and dedication you bring everyday is contagious. It's been fun catching passes from you, but I feel like it's gonna get way more fun. Hope we continue playing together for a long time#thatsmyquarterback (T.O voice )"
Of course, the news of Stafford's historic contract is good news for quarterbacks around the league, including Kirk Cousins, Drew Brees, Matt Ryan and Aaron Rodgers, who are all expected to approach or eclipse the $27 million annual salary.
