The Detroit Lions are comfortable continuing contract negotiations with quarterback Matthew Stafford during the season, but Stafford said Monday he's not sure if he'll be open to doing the same.

"I haven’t made any determination on that," Stafford said.

Stafford and the Lions have been working towards a new contract since early March, but negotiations have only ramped up in the last month.

Entering his ninth NFL season, Stafford is entering the final year of a contract extension he signed in 2013 and that pays him $16.5 million this fall.

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He's expected to become the highest-paid player in the NFL on his next contract at more than $25 million per season, and any delay in negotiations likely will drive the price up.

Stafford said earlier this summer he's "pretty tired of talking about" his contract, which has led some to believe he and his agents will halt negotiations in season.

"No matter what happens, I’ve got a year left on my contract here so I’m going to be here this year playing football for this team," Stafford said at the start of camp. "So it’s on my shoulders to be as good as I possibly can to help our team win."

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Stafford has played four series in the Lions' first two exhibition games, completing 10 of 13 passes for 120 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

He reiterated Monday he has no timetable for getting a deal done.

"I told you guys the last time we talked about this, I had no expectations going into it," Stafford said. "I’m doing myself and our team a disservice if that’s what I’m worried about. I truly am letting the guys upstairs here and my agent hash it all out and I’m just trying to be as good a football player as I can be and help our team."

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Contact Dave Birkett: dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett. Download our Lions Xtra app for free on Apple and Android!