Lions Have Deal With Curry Just in Case

As the NFL Draft approaches, the Detroit Lions have begun the process of trying to negotiate a contract with the first pick. The league allows them to do this, and many teams have taken advantage in recent years.

Reports have the Lions trying to get a deal done with Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford. Pro Football Talk reports the team has made its best offer, and Stafford's people will likely wait until the Friday deadline to accept. If Stafford doesn't take the offer, the Lions have an alternative.

Tom Kowalski of MLive.com reports the Lions have a deal in place with Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry, and they will take Curry if the Stafford deal falls through.

The source said the Lions will not allow a decision to go beyond Friday and if a deal isn't done with Stafford by then, the team will sign Curry and take him with the first overall draft pick.

The source said he believes that Stafford's agent, Tom Condon, will eventually agree to a deal with the Lions but probably won't do it until it gets closer to the Friday deadline.

The Lions can't go wrong here, unless the deal with Stafford gets done. Curry is the safest pick of the lot. He's the best bet to be a solid NFL contributor.

Stafford, on the other hand, is a huge risk for Detroit, one that could blow up their rebuilding efforts if things don't go well. Not only that, but Curry is apparently cheaper, as PFT reported earlier Wednesday that he would accept less money to be the first overall pick.

No matter what, it is more evident now than ever that we will know the first pick in the draft before the draft begins. At that point, the Rams move into the "on the clock" position.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

4-22-2009 @ 9:59PM

Ibarra30 said...

God the Lions are dumb, they better not draft Stafford he is going to be a bust big time, draft Curry or a lineman something that can help the team now

4-22-2009 @ 10:43PM

Yohncc said...

I agree with you on that, however as long as William Clay Ford owns the team he will do whatever it takes to run them into and through the ground. Taking Matt Stafford accomplishes this purpose. I agree take Aaron Curry. Unfortunately, it's too logical which is why I would be surpised if they did.

4-22-2009 @ 10:52PM

Sully said...

Let's face it, whether it is Curry or Stafford, the Lions still are going to have one of the top five picks next year and can get a QB then. Go with Curry, let Culpepper run the team this year and use the 1st, 20th, 33rd picks and so on to bolster up the rest of the team for the future.
There will be a better QB class next year for them to choose, and probably some veterans available as well.

4-23-2009 @ 12:24AM

houchens said...

I Agree with all these comments. Draft Curry or an offensive Tackle. Wait until next year for the QB position ... or draft Freeman if he is available later in the 1st round.

4-23-2009 @ 1:29AM

baczik said...

I'm not a Stafford fan, however, to all the "take a QB next year" folk. Most if not all of next years premier QB's are system QB's. Not one system player has ever panned out in the QB dept. We might have to hold our noses and swallow the Stafford pick.

4-23-2009 @ 8:34AM

checka624 said...

Baczik, You'r enot very smart are you? That system qb crap is the biggest load of bull ive ever heard. People who talk about "system" qbs only do so because they dont know how to evaluate Qbs properly. You are telling me a player at a position like QB, can't learn 3-5 step drops? seriously? Just because a qb didnt take many snaps under center in college DOES NOT mean he will not work out in the NFL. Thats the biggest load of bull ive ever heard. SOoo, you say "system" qbs have never panned out eh?? Does Philip Rivers ring a bell?? PR barely EVER took snaps from under center when he was at NCstate, but he sure learned how to take snaps under center didnt he? and he happens to be one of the best in the NFL too. What do you know?? He was a "system qb" as well (according to you) So next time before you speak, try to know what you're talking about please. Thanks

4-23-2009 @ 9:36AM

ed344mu said...

I agree, keep Culpepper and improve your offensive line and bolster your defense. A rookie quarterback is not going to turn this team around until there is improvement in these other areas.

4-23-2009 @ 12:00PM

next years draft is not filled with system qb's, Sam Bradford, Colt Mcoy, Tim Tebow, and a few others will all be a very good qb class for the next draft and yes the lions will probably draft in the top 10 next year that why you draft defence and O-line this year. You dont draft a Qb that wasnt even the best college qb last year, Had Bradford went pro he would be #1

4-24-2009 @ 1:08AM

Like someone said in a previous discussion, no QB is going to complete a pass lying on his back. Without some improvement on the offensive line, Stafford would get killed. Then he would develop a nervous twitch and it would be all downhill from there.
And, in 2008 the Lions defense was so bad that by the time the offense got warmed up, they were already 20 points behind.
Please, Please think defense or offensive line!!!
Not a quarterback!