Rogers now highest-paid defensive tackle

DETROIT, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- Detroit's Shaun Rogers is now the highest-paid defensive tackle in the National Football League with a six-year contract that reportedly totals $46 million.

Rogers, a Pro Bowler who was eligible to become a free agent at the end of the season, was signed to the new deal Saturday.

The 6-foot-4, 345-pound Rogers, who was a second-round pick in the 2001 draft out of Texas, had 75 tackles, four sacks, two blocked kicks and one fumble recovery the first 15 games of the schedule.

"If you don't play well, you're never going to get a big deal," he told the Detroit News.