The Indianapolis Colts just turned quarterback Andrew Luck into the highest-paid player in the history of the NFL when the two parties agreed to a six-year, $140 million deal earlier in July.
Someone quite on board with the Colts decision is Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford.
“I thought it was a good deal,” Stafford said, per Michael Rothstein of ESPN. “I’m never against anybody making as much money as they can. He’s got, whatever, five or six years, whatever it is, to just go out there and play football. I thought it was good. I thought it was good for our league, good for our position, everything.”
Luck’s new contract certainly set the bar even higher than it was when Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton signed his extension last year.
Regarding Stafford, his average annual salary of $17.67 million per year pales in comparison to the $25.59 million Luck averages. We can certainly see why Stafford is on board with Luck’s big bucks.
Stafford is signed through the 2017 season. Though, he’s eligible to receive an extension at any point — something the Lions might want to consider here soon.
For now, Stafford is playing it cool and does not appear to be worried about his financial situation as it pertains to a future contract.
“Contract stuff, that doesn’t weigh into my preparation, my decisions, nothing. I just go out there and play. My job is to help this team win, and that’s really all I focus on.”
Stafford was in some hot water at the beginning of 2015 when he threw 11 interceptions within the first eight games. Though, thankfully for his sake, Stafford got his act together. During Weeks 10-17, Stafford had only two picks compared to 19 touchdowns.
If he follows suit, Stafford will be set up for a nice little payday next March.