Burleson, Lions agree to five-year contract
In the NFC North, the Detroit Lions ranked fourth of four teams in passing offense in 2009 with 216.9 passing yards per game.
While they may still rank fourth in the division in 2010, they added a weapon to their aerial attack early into free agency by signing receiver Nate Burleson to a five-year contract worth $25 million, of which $11 million is guaranteed.
Although Burleson missed three games last year, his average of 62.5 receiving yards per game was less than a yard shy of his career high 62.9 ypg in 2004.
In 2003 and 2004, Burleson played in a Minnesota offense led by Scott Linehan, who is now the Lions' offensive coordinator.
None of the Seahawks three divisional opponents (San Francisco, St. Louis and Arizona) ranked in the top 20 pass defenses based on passing yards in 2009. Meanwhile, all three of the Lions' divisional opponents (Green Bay, Chicago and Minnesota) rank in the top 20.
The signing of Burleson should help with the development of rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford and take some pressure off Calvin Johnson.
