DETROIT, April 9 (UPI) -- The Detroit Lions have signed veteran linebacker Earl Holmes, who played with Cleveland last season, to a three-year contract.
No financial terms were disclosed, but reports indicate he will earn about $1.75 million in the first year.
Holmes, 29, will be entering his eighth NFL season. He was a starting middle linebacker for the Browns, and the first six seasons of his career in Pittsburgh, where he played inside linebacker.
The 6-2, 250- pounder led the Browns in 2002 with 150 tackles, 88 solo, from middle in a 3-4 set. He was released by Cleveland in February in a salary cap move.
He has played in 97 lifetime games, and has 696 tackles, 9 1/2 sacks, and one interception.
Holmes is the second linebacker signed by the Lions in the last week. Wali Rainer recently inked a two-year, $1.8 million contract as Detroit tries to fill the void created by Chris Claiborne, who signed with Minnesota.
