As for the future, Simpson is clear that he believes he is in the best position to thrive and is grateful for the talented veterans he will learn from, including Stafford.
Stafford doesn’t disagree.
“He’s a guy who asks questions; I’ve tried to answer them as honestly and as thoroughly as I possibly can,” Stafford said. “He’s a smart kid. He’s got talent, obviously. He’s a great option. So I’m happy to add some good players to our team. He’s one of them. But my job is, you know, to go out and get myself and our team as ready to play as I possibly can.”
The 2009 NFL Draft No. 1 pick by the Detroit Lions is longer in the tooth and has plenty of gray in his summer beard (perhaps just as likely because he’s a father of four), but Stafford is having arguably his best season as a pro.
He won his first passing title with 4,707 yards and also led the NFL with 46 touchdown passes. His decision to return therefore came quickly and he is happy to have his contract situation resolved, but admitted nothing is guaranteed beyond the 2026 season.
“Happy to have taken care of next year if I decide to play, and you know, if they want me again,” he said. “But I’m just excited to get this behind me because I just want to come out here and play and not think about things like that. So, great to get it done sooner rather than later.”
Stafford’s one-year extension is essentially set up for a decision in March 2027 to decide whether the parties will continue their union. It’s a long way off for Stafford, though.
“If I’m comfortable, and you know, it is, like I said, it’s a family decision — I can’t sit there and tell you what it’s going to look like in 365 days,” he said. “If you can, let me know. But, you know, it’s just one of those deals where I do my best to make sure I can play as long as I can, and make sure me and my family are all on the same page before we go into whatever season that may be.”