The Detroit Lions signed veteran quarterback Shaun King to a one-year deal on Friday. The move gives the Lions depth at a position that has not been stable for years, but King will likely compete for a backup position.

King did not play at all last season in the NFL after being released by the Arizona Cardinals after the 2004 season. King's best season came in 2000 for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when he threw for 18 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

Right now, Joey Harrington is tentatively the starter for the Lions still. King could give him a run for his money, but chances are that he will compete with Dan Orlovsky for the backup role. Orlovsky was the team's third-string quarterback last year behind veteran Jeff Garcia.

"He's a talented football player who had a good workout for us last fall and again yesterday," said Lions Chief Operating Officer Tom Lewand. "It's an opportunity for him to come in and compete. We'll see where it goes. It provides depth and competition to the position."

The Lions could very well pursue a quarterback in the draft.