10:10 pm: It’s finished. Stafford will be the #1 overall pick in 2009. John Clayton (ESPN.com) is reporting that the Lions have officially signed Stafford to a six-year, $78 million deal, with $41.7 million guaranteed. Not too bad for a player that’s never played a down in the league.

6:10 pm: Time to embrace your new quarterback of the future Detroit. Matt Stafford is coming to town.

According to Thomas George (NFL.com), a source within the organization has come forward to say that nothing’s going to stop the Lions from taking Stafford #1 overall in tomorrow’s draft. The two sides have been huddled up for some time now, hashing out contract parameters, and while the Lions have publicly stated they’ll be happy to fall back on a verbal agreement they have in place with Aaron Curry, their intent all along has been clear.

Stafford did his part for the media today, expressing excitement at the opportunity to play in Detroit:

“We’ve had some good talks, some good visits and sessions, and I would feel very comfortable there and believe I could become a part of growing something special,” Stafford said. “I wouldn’t feel lost there at all.”

No deal has been finalized as of yet, but given the statements (both official and unofficial) from the team, it’s doubtful that the Lions will be headed in a different direction when the draft commences tomorrow afternoon.

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3. Lions lose Smith to knee injury