Although “internal optimism” exists regarding the Lions’ extension talks with quarterback Matthew Stafford, the veteran signal-caller says there’s “no timetable” guiding the negotiations, according to Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com (Twitter link). Although Stafford admitted that his agent Tom Condon is currently discussing a deal with Detroit, he told reporters he wasn’t sure if he’d allow negotiations to continue once the regular season gets underway, as Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports. Last month, Lions president Rod Wood implied he’d be “comfortable” making Stafford the NFL’s highest-paid quarterback, which would mean agreeing to an annual salary north of $25MM.
Here’s more from the Motor City:
- Extension discussions are also underway between the Lions and safety Glover Quin, and Quin is confident an agreement will ultimately be hammered out, tweets Kyle Meinke of MLive.com. Quin, 31, is entering the final season of a five-year, $23.5MM pact he signed prior to the 2013 campaign. Next season, he’s scheduled to a $4MM base salary and a $1MM roster bonus while carrying a cap charge of ~$7.828MM. Quin’s annual salary of $4.7MM ranks just 27th among NFL safeties.
- Lions head coach Jim Caldwell is also entering the final year of his contract, but he’s not worried about serving out the season as a lame-duck head coach, as Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press writes. “I don’t even worry about it and I think I’ve tried to explain pretty well to you guys that there hasn’t been a time in my life where you operate under certain things,” Caldwell said. “You never know if you have a 15-year contract, it doesn’t mean you’re not going to be fired tomorrow. So you always got to perform.” Through four seasons as Detroit’s head coach, Caldwell has posted a 27-21 regular season record and lead the club to two NFC Wild Card appearances.
- Injured left tackle Taylor Decker is no longer wearing a sling and is “on track” in his rehab from a torn labrum, as Twentyman reports in a full article. Decker was projected to miss four-to-six months when he was originally injured in early June, meaning he could certainly be sidelined for the early portion of the 2017 season. In response, the Lions acquired former No. 2 overall pick Greg Robinson from the Lions and signed ex-Bills offensive lineman Cyrus Kouandjio.
Depressing for us Lions fan. 3/4 of the article is bad and the only good one is about the possible extension of Quin.
I could see Stafford not even considering us knowing other teams would pay more than the Lions. Something seems fishy that he’s not signed yet. Could be Bob Quinn but face it passing on Staffords huge contract is a pretty big Motza Ball hanging out there.
Jim Caldwell is hated by most Lions fan and 2/3 years he took us to the playoffs.
Deckers injury instantly gave up my hope on this season. And it’s not like he was All-Pro or anything but he was coming into his own.
Matzah not Motza! I don’t think there is anything fishy at all. Stafford doesn’t act like a guy who wants to leave. Cousins is going to get paid handsomely next year and could end up with more than Stafford. Quinn has drafted well so I don’t see him rocking the boat. Cousins is risking his career on this next year. One severe injury and goodbye guranteed 60 million. Cousins has always acted like a guy who wants to leave. Washington’s owner has never showed him love so he will leave. The big question is: would you rather have Stafford or Cousins?
Stafford for sure but don’t get me started on Cousins. I don’t blame players for wanting to get paid. Redskins don’t want him but have no other choice to franchise him so he’s laughing all the way to the bank.
Stafford is the most PC player I’ve ever seen in interviews and press conferences. He never says anything personal it’s always scripted.
That’s why I say there’s something fishy because if Stafford wanted to stay he would sing long term before he has an injury. He was a candidate for MVP last year til his finger injury and if he has another great contract year there are 20 other teams willing to pay him. Lions could get screwed again.
Slih’a al on the Matzah – I’m still learning
The Lions president saying he’s comfortable making stafford highest paid QB doesn’t give the team much leverage id imagine.
Right!?
Why all QBs don’t do a Tom Brady contract but rather always try to become the highest paid player is freaking pathetic. You are hurting your team greatly in a team salary cap league.