The NFL offseason is flying along despite it feeling like Super Bowl 59 was played only yesterday. Free agency is firmly in the rearview mirror, and the 2025 draft is nearly two weeks in the past as all 32 franchises — including the Detroit Lions — turn their attention to rookie minicamps and the upcoming organized team activities (OTAs).
The temporary pause in action before this weekend's minicamp opens the door for Lions fans to see what some of the franchise's former players are up to. While certain former Detroit players are struggling to fight to keep their jobs, one ex-Lion just landed himself a new contract that's already turning heads.
Former Lions QB Matthew Stafford Finalizes $84 Million Extension With Rams
On Monday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Los Angeles Rams have revised quarterback Matthew Stafford's contract. The ex-Lions QB's deal was reportedly "negotiated during the NFL Combine" and will increase his salary for the next two seasons from $58 million to $84 million.
On top of that, Stafford will be earning $40 million guaranteed next season.
The #Rams and QB Matthew Stafford have finally finalized the terms on his new contract, sources say, as the deal negotiated during the NFL Combine is now official.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 5, 2025
Stafford will earn $44M this year, with $4M already paid and the other $40M fully guaranteed. pic.twitter.com/L9Udyo46Al
Stafford, 37, has been one of the NFL's top quarterbacks since he was drafted first overall by the Lions in 2009.
The ex-Georgia Bulldog led Detroit to a 108-113-1 record across his 12 seasons in the Motor City, completing 62.6% of passes for 45,109 passing yards, 282 touchdowns, and an 89.9 passer rating. That's without mentioning his 2013 Pro Bowl appearance and 2011 Comeback Player of the Year win.
Stafford's time with the Lions ended in March 2021, when he was traded to the Rams in a deal that saw QB Jared Goff and three draft picks sent back the other way. It's hard to imagine it's been over four years since that trade happened, but here we are.
Stafford's Rams run has been a success so far, to say the least. Los Angeles is 34-23 in the 57 games the Tampa, FL native started in the last four seasons, we he's completed 65.7% of passing attempts for 14,700 yards, 95 TDs, and a 95.2 passer rating. He's also 5-2 with 2,088 yards and 15 touchdowns in seven postseason outings, which includes winning Super Bowl LVI in his first year with the franchise.
Fans were reunited with Stafford when the Lions hosted the Rams in Week 1 of the 2024 season. Detroit had the last laugh as it left Ford Field with a 26-20 overtime win over Los Angeles, leaving time to reveal how the rematch will unfold when the NFC franchises clash at SoFi Stadium this fall.
It'll be up to Stafford to prove he's worth his new contract throughout the 2025 campaign, including when he meets his former team again. In the meantime, the Lions will continue the NFL offseason with the fifth-best Super Bowl 60 odds (+950) on FanDuel Sportsbook, whereas the Rams sit tied for sixth place (+1900).
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