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[h2]Sources: Lions work to sign Stafford
Brian Billick says the Lions can't make a mistake picking a QB with the No. 1 pick overall. He says if a coach misses on a first round QB, they may end up doing games for Fox instead of coaching their team.[/h2]
Negotiations between the Detroit Lions and Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford have intensified but as of Wednesday night there was no deal, multiple sources said.
The Lions want to have a deal in place for the draft's first selection before Saturday, and they have narrowed their focus on Stafford,Baylor tackle Jason Smith and Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry.
Curry's agents met with the Lions in Detroit during the weekend and left with confidence they would be able to work out a deal with theLions.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, the Lions' focus turned to Stafford, who has indicated he would love to play in Detroit.
According to sources, the Lions and Stafford's agents Tom Condon and Ben Dogra were exchanging proposals Wednesday night with hopes ofreaching an agreement.
NFL.com Video
An inside look at quarterback Matthew Stafford from Georgia.
Figuring out the right contract numbers remains critical. Last year, Condon and Dogra negotiated a five-year, $57.5 million deal fortackle Jake Long, whowas drafted No. 1 by the Dolphins.
They also got MattRyan a six-year, $72 million deal when he was drafted No. 4 by the Falcons.
Because quarterbacks receive a premium salary because of the value of their position, Stafford would be expected to make more than Long, butit may be hard for the Lions to top the Ryan contract by much.
John Clayton is a senior writer for ESPN.COM
Brian Billick says the Lions can't make a mistake picking a QB with the No. 1 pick overall. He says if a coach misses on a first round QB, they may end up doing games for Fox instead of coaching their team.[/h2]
Negotiations between the Detroit Lions and Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford have intensified but as of Wednesday night there was no deal, multiple sources said.
The Lions want to have a deal in place for the draft's first selection before Saturday, and they have narrowed their focus on Stafford,Baylor tackle Jason Smith and Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry.
Curry's agents met with the Lions in Detroit during the weekend and left with confidence they would be able to work out a deal with theLions.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, the Lions' focus turned to Stafford, who has indicated he would love to play in Detroit.
According to sources, the Lions and Stafford's agents Tom Condon and Ben Dogra were exchanging proposals Wednesday night with hopes ofreaching an agreement.
NFL.com Video
An inside look at quarterback Matthew Stafford from Georgia.
Figuring out the right contract numbers remains critical. Last year, Condon and Dogra negotiated a five-year, $57.5 million deal fortackle Jake Long, whowas drafted No. 1 by the Dolphins.
They also got MattRyan a six-year, $72 million deal when he was drafted No. 4 by the Falcons.
Because quarterbacks receive a premium salary because of the value of their position, Stafford would be expected to make more than Long, butit may be hard for the Lions to top the Ryan contract by much.
John Clayton is a senior writer for ESPN.COM
