INDIANAPOLIS – Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is coming off one of his best seasons in year eight of his NFL career.
He completed 65.3% of his passes, the second-highest mark of his career, and threw 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He ranked in the Top 10 in the NFL in completion percentage (65.3; 10th), completions (388; 6th), passing yards (4,327; 6th) and QB rushing yards (207; 10th).
Getting Stafford signed beyond the final year of his current deal that ends after 2017 is on general manager Bob Quinn's agenda this offseason, but those discussions have not taken place just yet.
"We have not talked to Matthew or his representatives," Quinn told reporters Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine. "That is something that we will eventually get to. We'll see how that goes. We're kind of taking it one step at a time with the current free-agent class, the current draft class.
"I mean these things don't usually happen in April or May. That's not a realistic timeline for an extension for a quarterback. That's something we do have on the agenda and we'll hopefully be able to have some discussions."
Stafford has become the face of the franchise since Calvin Johnson's retirement at the end of last season. He's one of the most veteran players on the roster, and is the unquestioned leader on offense. He set an NFL record by leading eight fourth-quarter comebacks this past season.
"It's a priority," Quinn said of getting Stafford re-signed. "But it takes two sides to get a deal. I think that's something we'll definitely talk about. I'm not making any promises one way or another, but I've always said since I've gotten here that I think Matthew is a good quarterback and I'd like to have him here long-term and that hasn't changed."
