Lions sign Marion

[TTTBone]

DETROIT (AP) _ Three-time Pro Bowl safety Brock Marion signed a four-year contract with the Lions on Thursday.

The Miami Dolphins released the 11-year veteran earlier this month to free salary-cap space after he had 81 tackles, three interceptions and two forced fumbles last season.

Marion has 20 interceptions in six seasons with the Dolphins, three of which he was selected to the Pro Bowl.

``Obviously, he's still playing at a high level,'' Lions president and general manager Matt Millen said. ``Generally, you don't want to take on a contract with an older player, but Brock still moves around and looks like he's 25.''

Marion will turn 34 this summer, but has been healthy throughout much of his career. The 5-foot-11, 200-pounder has missed only one start since 1996 and has started 138 games of the 166 he's played.

``He takes care of himself,'' Millen said. ``And he's a smart player, who will really help our secondary a lot.''

Marion will start at free safety next to strong safety Brian Walker, a former teammate from Miami. The Lions cut safety Corey Harris earlier this month.

Marion, who has 863 career tackles and 28 interceptions, played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1993-97.

The Lions have addressed some of their many needs this offseason by signing offensive lineman Damien Woody, cornerback Fernando Bryant, receiver Tai Streets, running back Shawn Bryson and offensive guard David Loverne.

[Free Bagel]

Wow, does this mean they're not taking Taylor in the draft?

[TheHeat24]

Marion is a hundred years old he completely dropped off last year... detroit is just adding more age to their secondary him and brian walker have to be the two oldest starting safeties besides sehorn and williams... As for drafting Taylor I see them taking him and having him and terrence holt starting at safety

[NittanyLions]

This guy is still playing?
It does make the draft for them interesting

[CC]

I think Terrence Holt would start over Brian Walker, but Holt isn't that great so I wouldn't rule out Sean Taylor just yet.

[steelyeri]

They'll probably take steven jackson now. seen as how they have a safety now and hearst signed with the donks.

[moochman]

He will help solidify the secondary. Marion will probably not be asked to play every down, so he will be fresh and not hurt them when he does play. He is better than what was there. They also have Chris Cash returning from injury, he was to be the starting CB at the start of last season before injurying his knee. They may still go after Taylor, but I would be on the lookout for a draft day trade. Jackson is a desireable pick for the Lions, but they could probably take him a few picks later. I would love to see them grab Williams, either one, and have WR corps that would rock, but I would be surprized if they did. Winslow would be a shocker for them to take because of his father's distain for Millen and the Lions stemming from their mot interviewing a black coaching candidate before hiring Mornhenweg.
If they make the right choice the Lions could be a very much improved team and may even threaten to finish 8-8.

[nsulham]

They'll probably take steven jackson now. seen as how they have a safety now and hearst signed with the donks.

No, no, no, he's falling to NE at #21