Matthew Stafford and the Detroit Lions agreed on a six-year deal last night, his agents said.
Tom Condon and Ben Dogra, who both represent Stafford, said the Lions will pay Stafford $41.7 million in guarantees and as much as $78 million.
Quarterback Matt Ryan, the No. 3 pick last year, was signed to a $72 million, six-year contract with $34.75 million guaranteed by the Atlanta Falcons.
Detroit desperately needs a quarterback to help turn around the NFL's first 0-16 team, which has had the worst eight-year stretch in the league since World War II, and is turning to Stafford after he was a starter in each of his three seasons at Georgia.
They will have more chances to rebuild their team with the 20th overall selection, a second-round pick, and a pair of choices in the third round.
Boldin staying?
Cardinals wide receiver
Larry Fitzgerald believes disgruntled teammate
Anquan Boldin would like to stay with Arizona. "I don't think he really wants to go," Fitzgerald said yesterday. "He's been there six years. His family is comfortable; his son is in school. There's a lot of things that I think will be conducive for him to stay." Fitzgerald said he will restructure his four-year, $40 million contract if needed. Meanwhile, ESPN reported that the Cardinals continue to entertain offers for Boldin, with the Ravens and Eagles showing interest in the receiver. But Cardinals general manager
Rod Graves denied those reports. "I'll just say the reports today are erroneous," Graves said. "We have not received any offers today with respect of Anquan." . . . Former Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver
Jimmy Smith said he was "ashamed and humiliated" by an arrest on drug charges Wednesday and he will fight to overcome his addiction. Smith was pulled over on a traffic stop in Jacksonville and a Florida Highway Patrol officer said he smelled marijuana in the car. The officer searched the car and found crack cocaine, marijuana, and a business card with powder cocaine residue in the car's center console, authorities said.
Saban backs tackle
Alabama coach
Nick Saban doesn't want NFL types to get the wrong idea about
Andre Smith. The All-America left tackle's college career ended with a suspension, followed by a decision to leave the NFL Combine unannounced and the firing of his agent. Saban is one of the Outland Trophy winner's advocates. "I'm not lobbying for him, I'm just telling the truth," Saban said. "The guy was a good player for us and did a great job here and has got good character and a good attitude and a good work ethic and did everything we asked him to do." Smith is still projected as an early first-round pick, possibly as high as No. 6 to Cincinnati . . . Redskins owner
Dan Snyder said his team will not trade its first-round pick in the 2010 draft. He told WTEM radio he doesn't think it's wise to frequently deal No. 1 picks. The Redskins, who have the No. 13 choice in today's draft, have been rumored to want to move up to select Southern Cal quarterback
Mark Sanchez. Meanwhile, the team signed offensive tackle
Mike Williams, who hasn't played in the NFL since 2005 because of injuries. Williams was drafted by the Bills as the No. 4 overall pick in 2002. The team also released punter
Dirk Johnson . . . Offensive guard
Jahri Evans and wide receiver
Lance Moore, restricted free agents, have signed one-year contracts with the Saints. Evans's contract is worth $2.79 million and Moore's $1.55 million . . . The Bengals signed FB
Jeremi Johnson, a regular with the team for five seasons before sitting out last season with a knee injury.
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