ALLEN PARK >> Tuesday was just another work day for Matthew Stafford after he signed a five-year, $135 million contract extension with the Detroit Lions on Monday night.
“Honestly I feel like everyone around us talked about it more than he did. I don’t think he said a single word about his contract,’’ wide receiver Golden Tate said. “You would expect that from Matt anyway. Everyone in here was congratulating him, I know we’ve all been talking about it all day. We’re excited.
“I think this is a huge signing for this organization. I think Matt has proved he’s a top-tier quarterback, he’s an elite quarterback, he’s tough as nails. That’s what you want. This is a great signing,’’ Tate added.
The deal makes Stafford the NFL’s highest paid player in history.
Tate, who is entering his fourth season with the Lions, said Stafford played a role in his decision to originally sign with Detroit.
“I know in my decision three or four years ago, it played a huge part to have a quarterback. I’ve seen great receivers start off with a great quarterback, I’ve seen OK receivers with a great quarterback and they looked really good and I’ve seen really good receivers that go somewhere without a quarterback and they just disappear,’’ Tate said.
He thinks having Stafford will have an impact on drawing free agent receivers, but he’s happy with who they have on the roster now.
Plus, he’s thrilled to be on the same team with the highest paid player in the NFL.
“I’m really happy, I have two years left on my contract and I’m very confident I’m going to have a really good quarterback throwing to me. Honestly I’d like to be here for the remainder of my career and help this organization do great things,’’ Tate said.
Backup quarterback Jake Rudock said he saw no difference in Stafford on Tuesday morning.
“Same dude, came in and we did our workout together,’’ Rudock said.
“It’s awesome, I saw it this morning, I thought great for him. He deserves it, he works so hard . he does so much more that you guys never see and never hear about. He works his tail off,’’ Rudock said. “I’m really happy for him.’’
Lions Lowdown 