Matt Stafford made big money on his rookie contract before the new rules came into place with the updated CBA at six years and $72 million total with $41.7 million guaranteed.

Due to the fact that his cap number has jumped up for the last two years of his deal due to restructuring, the Lions should be looking to sign him this upcoming offseason according to Free Press beat writer Dave Birkett.

Two player-sided cap experts told Birkett that Stafford could be looking at a contract similar to Brees if he has another outstanding year for the Lions in 2012.  Brees got a six-year, $100 million contract with a $37 million signing bonus and $55 million in the first two seasons.

Resigning Stafford to a more cap friendly contract will help the Lions heading into next offsesason, much like the Calvin Johnson deal did this offseason.  Heading into 2013 the Lions have nine important players just on defense heading to free agency if Cliff Avril doesn’t sign a long-term deal.

As for Avril the 4 p.m. deadline on Monday for him to sign a long-term contract is coming quickly and he admits he is not getting a good vibe, but is still hopeful.  Detroit has a history of last-minute signings before the franchise tag deadline expires including Jeff Backus in 2006 and Cory Redding in 2007.

Does Stafford deserve to be paid with the elites of the game and should Avril be locked up long-term?  Let us know at @DSBloggers on Twitter or on Facebook or in the comments below and we will do our best to keep you updated with all of the developments.