|
COPYRIGHT 2005 Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service
Byline: Curt Sylvester
INDIANAPOLIS _ The Lions' first step in constructing their offensive line is complete: They have agreed with center Dominic Raiola on a new five-year contract.
The deal _ which keeps Raiola off the free agent market starting Wednesday _ is believed to be worth $17.5 million, including a $4.6-million signing bonus.
With the signing of Raiola, the Lions are assured of having three of their five starting offensive linemen back for the 2005 season _ left tackle Jeff Backus, right guard Damien Woody and Raiola.
They will look for a starting left guard on the free agent market or possibly in the NFL draft April 23-24, and they are likely to promote Victor Rogers or Kelly Butler to the right tackle job if they are unable to re-sign Stockar McDougle.
The Lions would like to re-sign McDougle,...
Read the full article for free courtesy of your local library.
| 
Bookmark this article
Print this article
Link to this article
Email this article
Digg It!
Add to del.icio.us
RSS
