Lions sign QB Matthew Stafford to record setting deal

by MaPatsFan on Apr 25, 2009 9:02 AM EDT in New England Patriots News

Yet again, we have a situation where a team in desperation, opening up their wallets for one player, ignores the most sacred tenet of football: it takes a system to win championships. The system "processes" players and makes them better. It is rarely about one player and the Patriots' 2008 season proved that. Sure, if Brady was at the helm, we most likely would've had, at the very least, a 12-4 record and a division title. But the Patriots system molded Matt Cassel into a QB ready to lead the offense and we came dang close.

Reports www.si.com, ntested rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford signed a record setting deal, pocketing $41.7M in guaranteed money and $72M over the course of six years. Jay Cutler is fuming. It is time for the NFL to implement a salary cap. Untested rookies making mega-millions more than longstanding vets is a crime and it's insulting to the vets. On the other hand, let them pay those mega-millions. Let those teams tie up significant amounts of money on one player in hopes that he saves the day. How well is Stafford going to do when he can't keep the Lions' defense off of the field? How well will he do when his offensive line lets him eat turf on a consistent basis? Maybe I should be happy teams make bonehead moves like this. Go ahead, tie up all of your money on an untested guy. It just means less money to throw at other positions.

Systems win championships, period. That is why teams like the Patriots, Colts, and Steelers have been the most successful teams of this decade.

For the Lions' fan perspective, check Pride of Detroit. Props to NESilver for his fanshot.

Tweet Comment 4 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Are you kidding me....

year after year, it blows my mind how teams sign these unproven college football players to ridiculous amounts of money. $41 million guaranteed — f’n ridiculous. The NFL really needs to do something to restrict the amount of money rookies get paid. To me, it seems like a slap inthe face to the guys that have been in the trenches for years. The union and the owners need to come up with a plan that is good for both sides because that is just plain bogus!! He could very well be the next Ryan Leaf.

by OneMore on Apr 25, 2009 10:51 AM EDT reply actions

Blame the veterans too, not just the teams

This has been an issue for a very long time, but neither side ever brought it up in collective bargaining. The owners should have brought it up because, obviously, they’re shelling out rookie salaries that are only worth it if the rookies turn out to be all-pros. But if the players are so insulted that some unproven rookies get paid more than they do, they should have brought it up, and that means they share in the blame.

That said, they really ought to agree on a slotting system in the next CBA, similar to what the NBA has.

by RSNexile on Apr 25, 2009 11:26 AM EDT reply actions

Good point

I think this is a much bigger issue with fans than with players, probably because only 5-10 rookies really break the bank each year. There are much bigger fish to fry.

by hythlodaeus on Apr 25, 2009 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions