Last year, Rod Marinelli moved Cory Redding from defensive end to defensive tackle in the belief he could be one of the best defensive tackles in football. On Monday, the Lions backed up that belief by making him the highest paid defensive tackle in football. Redding, the team's franchise player in 2007, agreed to a seven-year, $49 million contract that included $16 million in guarantees, including $13 million in signing bonus and roster guarantees. Redding will receive a little more than $20 million over the first three years of his contract. Redding's agreement beat a 4 p.m. Monday deadline for franchise players.

The Detroit Lions are continuing contract negotiations through the weekend with defensive tackle Cory Redding. There is a note of optimism a deal can be reached before a Monday deadline that would preclude Redding from signing for more than one year until after the 2007 season. The Lions designated Redding as their franchise player in February, when he became an unrestricted free agent. The move effectively kept Redding from getting offers from other teams. The Lions offered Redding a one-year tender, guaranteeing him a base salary of $6.77 million for 2007. Redding has not signed the tender.

Lions defensive tackle Shaun Rogers won't face criminal charges following a review of an exotic dancer's claims that he inappropriately touched her. A woman who dances at a club on Detroit's west side made the complaint last month against the Lions standout. Police had asked prosecutors to approve a criminal sexual conduct warrant, but the Wayne County prosecutor's office declined. "After an extensive investigation we have determined there is insufficient evidence to file any charges," Prosecutor Kym L. Worthy said in a statement.

The Lions on Friday signed quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan, linebacker Johnny Baldwin and cornerback Ramzee Robinson, the last player selected in the NFL draft. The team also released quarterback Phil Horvath.

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," said Redding's agent, Kennard McGuire. "I think the mere fact that we're dialoguing speaks for itself." The sides must reach a deal by 4 p.m. 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. The Lions report to training camp July 25. "We both know what this means to both sides," McGuire said. "It's cut and dried."

Itinerant quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan, regarded as the top player in NFL Europa this spring but released by the Bears late last week, has scored yet another chance to prove that he belongs in big leagues. O'Sullivan reached a contract agreement with Detroit on Monday afternoon, where a thin depth chart could provide the journeyman passer a legitimate opportunity to win a job as a backup to starter Jon Kitna. Contract details were not immediately available.