Lions willing to “whatever it takes” to sign Stafford
Dec 4, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) celebrates after throwing a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Lions defeated the Saints 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY SportsDetroit Lions president Rod Wood didn’t mince words when it came to his intentions for quarterback Matthew Stafford. It’s been speculated that Stafford’s next deal could potentially be the highest paid player in NFL history, but that doesn’t seem like a daunting task for Wood.
“I’m comfortable in getting a deal done with him, and we’ll see where that ends up,” Wood told ESPN’s Michael Rothstein. “It’s going to be whatever it takes, I think, to make it happen from both sides, and whether he becomes the highest-paid or not, it’ll be a short-lived designation because, as (general manager) Bob (Quinn) said, and I think it’s true, if you’re in the top whatever of quarterbacks, when your time comes up, your time comes up and then somebody else’s time comes up, and they become the highest-(paid player).”
Stafford is entering the final year of his contract, and already holds most team records in significant passing categories. Fellow quarterbacks Kirk Cousins (Washington) and Derek Carr (Oakland) are slated to sign deals this offseason, though Stafford said that his focus was on winning, not his next deal.
Khyri Thornton suspended
Sep 1, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Khyri Thornton (99) walks off the field before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Lions win 31-0. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY SportsLions defensive tackle Khyri Thornton has been suspended by the NFL for the first eight games of the upcoming season due to a violation of the league’s substance abuse policy. He will not be eligible to play until after Detroit’s October 16 matchup with New Orleans, and will end up forfeiting upwards of $300,000 in salary.
After being claimed by Detroit from New England in 2015, Thornton appeared in 13 games for Detroit last season and amassed 19 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.
Lions ink Kenny Golladay to four-year deal
Nov 9, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Northern Illinois Huskies wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) carries the ball after a catch against Toledo Rockets defensive back Connery Swift (3) during the second half at Guaranteed Rate Field. Toledo defeats Northern Illinois 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY SportsMeanwhile, the Lions have signed wide-receiver Kenny Golladay to a four year deal, meaning they’ve now signed all of their draft picks. He was the only pick that hadn’t signed before Detroit’s rookie mini-camp last month.
Golladay was drafted by Detroit in the third round (96th overall) out of Northern Illinois, and will have an opportunity to be Detroit’s third wide receiver behind Golden Tate and Marvin Jones.
