The Lions have inked Matthew Stafford to a deal that is historic in its absurdity. The Georgia QB will make a reported $41.5 million guaranteed salary and the total deal is reportedly a 6-year deal totalling $78 million. This hands Stafford more money at one time than any player in the NFL, including Peyton Manning. How can it be that a QB from college, who underachieved throughout his premature collegiate career, makes more than the greatest QB in the NFL?

I heard NFL commissioner Roger Goodell tell Mike and Mike on Friday that he's all for a rookie salary cap. This Stafford deal just magnifies the need for such a cap. It's absolutely ridiculous to give guaranteed money to unproven commodities.

I am not downing Stafford, really, but nobody, not the Lions, not Mel Kiper Jr., knows if Stafford will pan out in the NFL. Does anyone believe he's worth more than Peyton Manning? If I'm a Lions fan, this is exactly what I'm expecting, immediately from the kid. That's a lot of pressure and very unrealistic.

It would behoove the NFL Players Association to help these young player's development by capping the salaries, and thus, capping the expectations of these rookies. Otherwise, the game will become irrelevant and nobody will want a top ten NFL pick because it will cost them too much.

NFL matthew stafford, peyton manning, nfl draft, mel kiper jr.