Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has agreed to an extension with the team for three years, $53 million according to ESPN’s Ed Werder citing league source.
Prior to the reported deal, Stafford had two years left on his contract worth $23.5 million. The new deal makes him a Lion until the end of the 2017 season.
Stafford was the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2009 for the Lions. For his career he has an 82.8 passer rating. He has thrown for 12,807 yards and 80 touchdowns. In 2011 he carried the team to their first playoff appearance in more than 10 years.
In June, the University of Georgia product said he would give his attention to the game and let his agent and the Lions hash out the contract.
"I don't play this game to get contracts," said the QB in June. "I play this game to win games."
Stafford’s previous season was not a good one. He threw 21 less touchdowns than the 2011 season when the team made it to the play offs. His passer rating was also 17.4 points lower.
"Matt's not happy with last year," said Lions coach Jim Schwartz during training camp last month. "None of us were happy with last year, but you also can't overreact."
Stafford said analyzed last season and saw where it was good to take risks and where it wasn’t. The team reached the .500 mark at during Week 8 with a 4-4 record. They proceeded to every game for the remainder of the season.
"It was a total, learning experience just because it was a tough year," said Stafford. "You have to find a way to battle through it."
*Stats according to ESPN.com
