Just days after the 2025 NFL Draft wrapped up, a former face of the Detroit Lions has landed a lucrative new deal that’s making headlines across the league.
While it might feel like Super Bowl 59 only just concluded, the NFL offseason is moving at full speed. Free agency is in the rearview, the draft is already history, and teams like the Lions are now focused on rookie minicamps and prepping for OTAs.
With a brief lull in the action ahead of this weekend’s rookie sessions, Lions fans have a chance to check in on some former players. And while not every ex-Lion is thriving, one of them just signed a massive contract extension that’s grabbing attention.
Matthew Stafford Signs Major Extension With Rams
On Monday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport revealed that the Los Angeles Rams have updated Matthew Stafford’s contract, significantly boosting his earnings. The deal, reportedly discussed back at the NFL Combine, raises Stafford’s pay for the next two seasons from $58 million to a whopping $84 million. The veteran QB is also set to earn $40 million guaranteed in 2025.
Now 37, Stafford has been one of the league’s top quarterbacks since going first overall in the 2009 draft. During his 12-year stint in Detroit, he threw for over 45,000 yards and 282 touchdowns, while completing nearly 63% of his passes. He made a Pro Bowl appearance in 2013 and earned Comeback Player of the Year honors in 2011.
His tenure with the Lions came to a close in March 2021 when he was dealt to the Rams in exchange for Jared Goff and a package of draft picks — a trade that still feels fresh to many fans.
Since arriving in Los Angeles, Stafford has helped the Rams to a 34-23 record in his 57 starts. He’s thrown for nearly 15,000 yards and 95 touchdowns, with a passer rating north of 95. Most notably, he led the Rams to victory in Super Bowl LVI during his debut season with the team.
Detroit fans got to see their former QB up close again when the Lions hosted the Rams in Week 1 of the 2024 season. In a tightly contested matchup, it was Detroit who came out on top with a 26-20 win in overtime at Ford Field. The two teams are set to meet again at SoFi Stadium this fall.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Stafford to see if he can live up to his updated contract. The Lions, meanwhile, enter the summer with strong expectations and are currently tied for the fifth-best odds to win Super Bowl 60 at +950, while the Rams follow close behind at +1900.
