Detroit Re-Signs DT Redding

Detroit re-signed Cory Redding yesterday, making him the NFL's highest-paid defensive tackle even though he's only played the position for 10 games. The Lions aggressively courted their franchise player before making a 7-year deal worth roughly $49 million. "I'm glad we got these numbers and all this stuff out of the way so I can focus on football," he said.

The 2003 third-round pick chalked up only four sacks in three seasons at DE, but he performed so well at tackle that the Lions made him their franchise player in February. The designation and the hefty deal are calculated risks, coach Rod Marinelli indicated: "You can never overpay for the attitude, the effort, the want." (More Detroit Lions stories.)