I’m torn on this one. Jeff Backus sucks and at 35 in September, he’s not getting much better. Last season, he allowed 7 sacks, 36 pressures, and committed 11 penalties. The Lions really need to draft a new left tackle. However, this is a thin left tackle class and the Lions don’t pick until #23. There probably won’t be a tackle capable of starting on the left side available at 23 so the Lions may have to draft someone who is a project or wait a year to address the position. There also weren’t any proven left tackles on the open market.

They didn’t have another option on the roster and Backus at least gives them continuity. It’s not a very long deal (2 years) and there probably isn’t a lot of guaranteed money. Besides, Backus is versatile and can play right tackle and guard, where they also need some help. I still feel 5 million per year is a bit rich for him, but it’s not the worst move in the world.

Grade: C