Lions QB Matthew Stafford signs three-year, $53 million extension

Matthew Stafford signed a three-year contract extension with the Lions. (Leon Halip/Getty Images)

Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford agreed to an extension that adds three years and $53 million to his current contract. The news was first reported by the Detroit Free Press's Dave Birkett and then later confirmed by ESPN.

Stafford's prior deal was set to expire in 2014; the new extension will keep him in Detroit through 2017. From the ESPN report:

He had two years and $23.5 million remaining on his previous deal. He is now under contract with the Lions through the 2017 season and is set to receive $43 million in guaranteed money.

Stafford, 25, was the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2009. He became one of only five NFL quarterbacks to throw for more than 5,000 yards in a single season with 5,038 in 2011. He has started in all 32 regular season games in the past two years.