Peete, One of the Lowest-Paid Starters in the NFL, Gets a Raise From Lions

PONTIAC, Mich. —  Rodney Peete may not be in the same tax bracket as Joe Montana or John Elway, but the Detroit Lions’ quarterback feels a little more appreciated these days.

Peete was one of three Lions who received contract extensions, the NFL club announced. All-Pro linebacker Chris Spielman and safety William White were given two-year extensions, while Peete got one year.

And as far as the second-year quarterback from USC is concerned, it’s about time: Peete had been one of the NFL’s lowest-paid starters, with a base salary of $90,000.

Terms were undisclosed, but Peete got a substantial raise in the extension, which will cover the 1991 season.

“There are so many guys out there who make $20 million, and I’m nowhere near that scale,” Peete joked. “But I’m happy with it.”

Peete also received a $10,000 bonus for making the Lions’ final roster, but that still wasn’t in the same league as some of the NFL’s other quarterbacks.

In fact, this year Peete will earn less than Bob Gagliano and rookie Andre Ware--who watch from the sidelines while Peete calls the signals.

“It’s ridiculous for me as a starting quarterback to be making $100,000,” he said. “It’s ridiculous and they knew it.”