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Quarterback Matthew Stafford made his contract extension with the Detroit Lions official on Wednesday morning. He then met with the media to discuss the extension, as did Lions president Tom Lewand. Below is a recap of what they had to say.
Stafford opened things up by thanking people after he signed his new deal.
Stafford thanked the Ford Family, #Lions front office, teammates and - most importantly - fans. @Staff_9 pic.twitter.com/Iz5DYW9ajl
— Detroit Lions (@DetroitLionsNFL) July 10, 2013
Stafford said he signed the deal 'about five minutes ago...I'm just the lucky guy who gets to sign it.'
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) July 10, 2013
It turns out that some people wanted Stafford to wait on signing a new deal to increase his value like Joe Flacco did this past season.
Stafford said some people wanted him to wait it out to try to get a mega deal like Flacco.
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) July 10, 2013
Part of the reason Stafford didn't want to wait on a new deal was because he wanted to free up some cap space for the Lions.
Matthew Stafford: "I'm about the team. I wanna help the team anyway I can, cap space, whatever." pic.twitter.com/bauGLK1Ibh
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) July 10, 2013
Stafford said he's happy to have this done and is glad he could provide some cap space. "I wanted to do what was right for the club."
— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) July 10, 2013
Lewand said Stafford was asking about how the #Lions would use the cap relief during the negotiation process, but it wasn't the key factor.
— Josh Katzenstein (@jkatzenstein) July 10, 2013
Stafford likes that he will have a chance to sign another contract before he turns 30, and he hopes to stay in Detroit beyond his current deal.
Stafford said the deal gives him a chance to sign 'another big one at 28 or 29.'
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) July 10, 2013
Stafford happy to be here for another five years, he hopes to be here longer then that.
— Jeff Riger (@riger1984) July 10, 2013
Stafford is well aware that success in the playoffs is needed to truly become one of the best and wealthiest quarterbacks in the NFL.
Stafford said the wealthiest QBs have Super Bowls and MVP trophies, and he needs to improve every aspect of his game to get to the top tier.
— Josh Katzenstein (@jkatzenstein) July 10, 2013
Stafford thinks his new deal further solidifies his spot as a leader in the locker room.
Matthew Stafford on his new deal: "I've spent the last four years making this locker room mine. And I think this helps solidify that."
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) July 10, 2013
Lewand really praised how involved Stafford was in the negotiations for his extension.
Tom Lewand said the process started in February. Said Stafford was very involved.
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) July 10, 2013
Lewand said Stafford and the Lions were aligned in talks. Said it was different than typical contract negotations. pic.twitter.com/YXo1NYEJy5
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) July 10, 2013
Tom Lewand: "Matthew really drove this process. Without his active involvement and leadership I don't think we're standing here talking."
— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) July 10, 2013
Lewand is quite pleased with how the deal turned out.
#Lions president Tom Lewand: "I think this is the right term & the right figures ...
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) July 10, 2013
Lewand: "That's one of the things with this contract. It's got logical, manageable cap numbers for the duration."
— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) July 10, 2013
Lewand cont: "It's the right way to address all of our concerns & all of our goals collectively for the organization & for him as our QB"
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) July 10, 2013
Stafford has a pretty low-key day planned to celebrate his extension.
Stafford: "I just ran this morning … that’s why I’m still sweating …" Off to play golf after this! #Lions
— Detroit Lions (@DetroitLionsNFL) July 10, 2013