- According to NFL Network’s Stacey Dales, there is “internal optimism” within the Detroit Lions that QB Matt Stafford will be offered a new deal within the next two weeks. The Lions hope to get the deal done before training camp and should already have the deal in place after Oakland Raiders QB Derek Carr reset the market last month.
- Stafford is coming off a career year; his overall PFF grade of 85.9 was the highest of his eight-year career and ranked eighth among 33 qualifying quarterbacks last year.
- Currently, the four highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL are Carr, Indianapolis Colts’ Andrew Luck, New Orleans Saints’ Drew Brees, and Washington Redskins’ Kirk Cousins (franchise tag). All four ranked inside the top 10 in terms of overall PFF grade last year, and Stafford’s overall grade compares favorably with these — and grade than Cousins.
- Stafford had a better passer rating than the four highest-paid quarterbacks when passing under pressure last year. His rating of 78.2 ranked eighth among 37 quarterbacks, which bettered the ratings of Carr (70.0), Luck (72.0), Brees (77.5), and Cousins (72.9).
Stafford could have new contract offer within 2 weeks

SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 07: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions throws a pass during the first half against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Wild Card game at CenturyLink Field on January 7, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
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