Lions and Redding Working to Get Long Term Deal Done

The Lions and their franchise player, defensive lineman Cory Redding, are working toward a long-term contract in advance of Monday’s deadline. “We’ve been in constant communication,” Redding’s agent, Kennard McGuire, told The Detroit Free Press. “I think the mere fact that we’re dialoguing speaks for itself.” Both sides must reach a deak by Monday, or, under NFL rules, Redding cannot sign a long-term deal until after the season. He could play this year only by signing the franchise tender — a one-year contract for $6.775 million, the average salary of the five highest-paid defensive tackles in the league last season.

After moving from end to tackle six games into the 2006 season, Redding racked up eight sacks - enough to lead the Lions for the year. The Lions recruited him hard this winter, but the sides didn’t reach a long-term deal. To effectively keep Redding off the free-agent market, the Lions designated him their franchise player, giving them the right to match any offer he received or let him leave for two first-round draft picks.eason. The Lions report to training camp on July 25.