As one of their best lineman, it was very important that the Detroit Lions get Jeff Backus under contract for this upcoming season. They did so today as Backus signed a one-year deal with a base salary of $6.983 million, with a written agreement that the Lions can't franchise him next off-season. Since he didn't have a deal, Backus wasn't allowed to work out with the team, which is why it was made a priority to get his deal done.