Lions re-sign DT Redding

Jul 16, 2007 - 7:36 PM PONTIAC, Michigan (Ticker) -- The Detroit Lions re-signed defensive tackle Cory Redding to a multi-year contract, the team announced Monday.

Terms were not disclosed, but the Detroit Free Press reported on its web site that Redding agreed to a seven-year deal worth nearly $50 million. If those figures are accurate, Redding would become the highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL.

Redding, 26, was one of the few bright spots for the Lions last season, recording a career-high eight sacks in 16 games.

The 6-4, 290-pounder has proven to be durable as well, playing in 55 consecutive games for the Lions, who finished with the worst record in the NFC a year ago at 3-13.

The Lions had placed the franchise tag on Redding in February. Players that are named as franchise players automatically get tendered the average salary of the top five players at their position or 20 percent above their previous salary, whichever is greater.

Redding automatically received a one-year tender worth $6.8 million, the average salary of the top five players at his position. If another team had signed Redding, the Lions had the right to match any offer or receive two first-round picks.

A 2003 second-round pick, Redding has registered 12 sacks in 57 career games.