Lions lock up Stafford

NEW YORK – The Detroit Lions have agreed to a deal to make Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft today, a person familiar with the deal said.

After days of negotiations, the sides agreed to terms around 11 p.m. EDT Friday. The deal is for six years and worth a maximum of $78 million, with $41.7 million guaranteed, the person said.

Stafford will become the Lions’ first No. 1 overall pick since Oklahoma running back Billy Sims in 1980.

For two months, the Lions have talked about wanting to sign the No. 1 overall pick before the draft. In February, general manager Martin Mayhew said it was of “critical importance.”

Stafford didn’t provide an update on negotiations earlier Friday during a whirlwind of appearances with other top prospects – a morning show on CBS, a meeting with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, a youth clinic in Central Park, ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange.

But he seemed relaxed and unconcerned that he might drop in the draft. He raved about the Lions – from wide receiver Calvin Johnson, to offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, to coach Jim Schwartz.

He said he looked forward to putting the ball in a spot where Johnson could make a play, which, he said smiling, means anywhere “within a 10-foot radius.” He said he liked Linehan’s system and shared Schwartz’s quick-witted sense of humor.

“Obviously, being the No. 1 pick would be a great honor and going to Detroit would be a lot of fun,” Stafford said. “I’m excited about it.”