Detroit Lions: Jared Goff’s new deal makes Matthew Stafford a bargain
By Bob Heyrman
We’ve said over and over again that the NFC North is one of the toughest divisions in the NFL at the moment. Although the Detroit Lions don’t seem to get any love from the National Media, any of these four teams can win the division this season.
Many people are predicting a four or five-win season for the Detroit Lions in 2019. The same folks mention plenty of different scenarios that place all three other members of the division as NFC North Champions. I mean recently an ESPN simulator predicted that the Lions would start the season 0-11. Are you kidding me? That’s simply absurd.
The Detroit Lions have a grueling schedule this season, but they do have plenty of non-divisional games they should win. A lot of the Detroit Lions fate will weigh on the right arm of Matthew Stafford.
Simply put; it’s a quarterback-driven league. The NFC North owns three of the top nine highest-paid quarterbacks in the entire NFL. You can quickly uncover which quarterback is left out of this, and if I’m being entirely honest, he shouldn’t ever be in the top-nine highest-paid conversation.
More from Detroit Jock City
- Tigers Sign Manager A.J. Hinch to Long-Term Extension
- Lions vs. Bears Week 14 Opening Odds Disrespect Detroit
- Former Tigers Celebrate Jim Leyland Hall of Fame Call
- This Pistons Team Could be the Worst in Detroit Sports History
- 4 Free Agents Tigers Should Sign During Winter Meetings
You can make a real argument that both Stafford and Kirk Cousins ($28 million) are overpaid, but when you consider the amount of money that is being thrown around to quarterbacks, both will continue to fall down the list as the ‘next man’ up seems to eclipse the entire group. Jared Goff was the most recent QB to receive a life-changing payday.
Goff’s new deal pays him an average annual salary of $33.5 million per season. That’s good for third throughout the NFL. Russell Wilson who just notched a new deal this summer pays him on average $35 million, and Big Ben comes in at $34.
Perhaps Matthew Stafford’s deal that pays him on average $27 million is a bargain? Seriously though–can you imagine what kind of money these players will be earning in 2023 when his deal expires. Stafford’s deal guaranteed about $60 million, Jarred Goff just signed a record-breaking $110 million in guaranteed money.
Maybe we should stop freaking out about Stafford’s contract. I’ll tell you one thing though, Stafford has the power to quiet the naysayers by turning back the clock and performing at a high level once again. I think he is poised to have a big year in Detroit with a new offensive system and an excellent supporting cast.
Aaron Rodgers‘ annual average salary is the same as Goff’s now, $35.5 million. Think about that for a second. I know we dislike Aaron Rodgers around here if not for his embarrassing lack of ability to chug a beer, because of which team he plays on.
dark. Next. Predicting Their 2019 Final Record
That being said, we all understand greatness when we see it. Rodgers is a phenomenal talent. He’s one of the best quarterbacks in all of football, yet 24-year old Jared Goff is equal according to the Los Angelas Rams.