Matthew Stafford is having arguably his best season as a pro, and the Detroit Lions quarterback is seeking to parlay his timely performance into another massive contract.
Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports that Stafford, who is signed with the Lions through the 2017 season, is looking to make more than $25 million per season. That would make him the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL.
Stafford is set to earn $16.5 million next season, but he will look for an extension from the Lions this winter rather than entering a contract year. If the team chose to use the franchise tag on him in 2018, he would likely get around $25 million for one season anyway.
Based on average annual salary, Andrew Luck is currently the top-paid player at his position with $24.6 million. Drew Brees is not far behind at $24.3 million.
It is certainly a good time for Stafford to negotiate a deal, as the 28-year-old has thrown for 2,373 yards, 18 touchdowns and just five interceptions this season. He’s on pace for a career low in turnovers and has a passer rating of 101.6 that would be a career high. The Lions have won four of their last five games and are just a half-game behind the Minnesota Vikings for first place in the NFC North.
While plays like this one certainly boost Stafford’s stock, he may be aiming a bit too high. It’s hard to justify paying him more than players like Luck and Aaron Rodgers, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
