Backus more likely to return with Raiola back
Jeff Backus - T - Detroit Lions
Feb. 14, 2013 - 3:05 PM ET
Lions LT Jeff Backus is more likely to play in 2013 with C Dominic Raiola restructuring his contract and staying in Detroit.
Backus and Raiola have played together since the Lions selected both in the first two rounds of the 2001 draft. If Backus, 35, returns, that would seem to make it less likely free agent RT Gosder Cherilus will be re-signed. 2011 first-round pick Riley Reiff would be the favorite to start on the right side. GM Martin Mayhew has said he's "optimistic" Backus, who has one year left on his deal, will be back.
Source: Detroit Free Press
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