Matt Stafford Signs new Deal with Detroit.

The Detroit Lions have extended Quarterback Matt Stafford's contract to 2017. Stafford has been playing for the Lions since 2009 when he was drafted first overall. Stafford helped lead the Lions to the playoffs in 2011; which was the first time the Lions have seen the playoffs in nearly a decade.

The Lions have been without a franchise quarterback for several years, and although Stafford has a long way to go, after showing many flaws in the 2012 season. In 2012 he threw 17 interceptions, 20 touchdowns and was sacked a total of 29 times. Although he had a rough season last year, after his 2011 season taking the Lions to playoffs, it shows how much potential he has.

In 2011 he tied the record for consecutive games with at least 1 touchdown pass as well as tying Drew Brees' record for consecutive games with 350+ passing yards. The contract extension will give Stafford  41.5 million guaranteed with the 53 million dollar contract. The extension will pay him on average 18 million for each season... roughly the same average as the Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Tony Romo.

Stafford tweeted earlier today that he was happy to extend his contract and stay in Detroit for another five years.

Stafford received a signing bonus of 27.5 million according to profootballtalk.com.