Cleveland, OH. (PFCritics) -- The Detroit Lions have signed offensive tackle Jeff Backus to a new six-year deal, according to ESPN.com. The contract is reportedly worth about $40 million, including roughly $16 million in bonuses. The signing is huge for the Lions, as Backus is an outstanding offensive tackle. He now has the sixth-highest contract among offensive lineman. The signing was made before the necessary 4 p.m. deadline on Friday.

"Certainly, Jeff could have gone into free agency after this season, and tested the market, and perhaps gotten an even better deal," said Pat Dye Jr., Backus' agent. "But at the end of the day, we're talking about a guy who played at Michigan, who really wanted to stay with the Lions and be a part of rebuilding that team, and who knows now where he's going to be playing for the next six seasons. And credit Lions officials, too, for showing extraordinary commitment to get this done."

If Backus had not signed a new deal with the Lions, he would have become one of the most sought-after free agents in the 2007 unrestricted free-agent market. Lions new head coach Rod Marinelli wanted a chance to work with the talented lineman.

Backus, a former first-rounder in the 2001 draft, has not missed a game to injury since joining the Lions.