The Detroit Lions signed safety Don Carey to a three-year contract extension, according to the Detroit Free Press' Dave Birkett. Carey has now received a contract extension in two straight seasons.
Lions sign safety Don Carey to 3-year extension
Detroit added another contract to an already bloated salary cap.
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Check out the latest news and rumors on the Lions' coaching search at Pride of Detroit
After a successful 2012 campaign, Carey inked a one-year deal. The latest contract extension has the safety, who turns 27 this offseason, locked up through 2016.
With Carey's new contract, the Lions now have just under $132 million tied up in 50 players for next season, according to the Free Press. With the 2014 NFL salary cap expected to be $126 million, the Lions have some work to do in order to comply. Detroit also has four starters set to hit the open market. Center Dominic Raiola, tight end Brandon Pettigrew, defensive end Willie Young and cornerback Rashean Mathis will all be unrestricted free agents this offseason. Ndamukong Suh is a candidate for a contract extension this offseason when he enters the last year of his current deal, adding an additional wrinkle to the team's salary cap situation.
The Lions clearly trust Carey to play a key role in the secondary, which has been an area of concern in recent years. He’s now one of four safeties under contract with Detroit for next season.
More from SB Nation NFL
See More:
