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The Detroit Lions are close to signing franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford to a long-anticipated extension worth $53 million.

(AP File Photo)

Reports surfaced Tuesday afternoon that the Detroit Lions were close to signing franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford to a long-anticipated extension.

The extension - which will add three years to the two remaining on his existing deal - is reportedly valued at $53 million, making the full five year contract worth $76.5 million ($43 million guaranteed).

It would also make Stafford one of the highest paid quarterbacks in the NFL. Stafford's average annual salary of $15.3 million ranks sixth behind Joe Flacco ($20.1), Drew Brees ($20.0), Peyton Manning ($19.2), Aaron Rodgers ($18.68) and Tony Romo ($17.07). He squeaks in just above Eli Manning ($15.27).

But former NFL quarterback Donovan McNabb, who played 13 seasons in the league and led the Philadelphia Eagles to seven playoff appearances, says Stafford isn't worth that kind of money.

"When you look at just the numbers overall, you have to think about 12,000 yards and being the youngest quarterback to reach this feat and also the things he's been able to accomplish, you know you begin to question this." McNabb said Tuesday night on NFL Total Access. "It's about wins and losses again. Now, as a quarterback and as Matt Stafford, hey, I would take that contract just like Tony Romo took his contract. But is he worth top 5 money? I would have to say no. And I say that because it's about wins and losses.

"What has he really done for the Detroit Lions? Nothing."

Romo and Stafford are the only quarterbacks amongst the seven listed above who do not have a Super Bowl ring. Three time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady's salary pales in comparison at a modest $6.4 million.

But it's not always about the rings. For the 25-year-old Stafford, it's about timing and value to his team.

"We can't really say, 'Yes, Matthew Stafford is worth this,'" former Pro-Bowl center Shaun O'Hara said. "It's only validated with what you said before, wins as a quarterback. But I think you just have to become relevant. For quarterbacks these days, it's about timing and it's about leverage. Matthew Stafford has both for the Detroit Lions. He makes his team relevant and he gives the Detroit Lions the best opportunity to win football games. He's thrown for 10,000 yards in the last two seasons. He is definitely a quarterback that can get this team to the next level."

Stafford holds a 17-29 record as a starter and is 1-22 against teams that finished the season with winning records. After leading his team to their first playoff game since 1999 in 2011, they fell to 4-12 in 2012. And despite the fact that Stafford had little running game to speak of and few counterparts to wide receiver Calvin Johnson, McNabb isn't buying it.

"One question that I always have about Matthew Stafford is about his footwork," McNabb said. "His footwork late in the games begins to drift a little bit, tries to throw the sidearm, be a gunslinger and that gets him into trouble. Turnovers (are a) critical part of the game. And that's what affects the Detroit Lions from being one of the upper echelon (teams) on the offensive end is because of the turnovers and the lack of dicipline when it comes to the dropback game."

Maybe what Stafford needs, is just some more chunky soup.

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