Mike Williams, the Detroit Lions' first-round draft pick last year was fined more than an accumulated $400,000 last season. According to a source close to the situation, Williams was fined for violating team rules, mostly for arriving late to meetings and being overweight. Williams, the 10th overall draft choice, signed a five-year, $13.5 million contract (with $9.5 million guaranteed) last Aug. 1. Williams was chronically late for morning meetings during training camp and was also out of shape. According to terms of the NFL's Collective Bargaining Agreement, the Lions could impose a maximum penalty of $457 per pound per day that Williams was overweight. Also, the team could fine a player $9,300 each time he was late for a meeting. Those fines could also be doubled and tripled for repeat violations.

Jeff Backus closed on a house in suburban Detroit early Thursday afternoon, and several hours later, the offensive tackle agreed to terms with the Lions on a six-year contract with $15.5 million guaranteed. "I'm very appreciative to the Lions and the Ford family for getting this done," Backus told The Associated Press. "I'm looking forward to continuing my career in Detroit and helping to turn this organization around." He expects to sign the contract Friday.