Detroit signs CB McQuarters

[Nick]

Lions reach one-year agreement with McQuarters
By John Clayton
Friday, June 10, 2005
ESPN.com

The Detroit Lions came out the surprise winner in the R.W. McQuarters' sweepstakes Friday by reaching an agreement in principle on a one-year, $1.6 million deal.

The Lions edged four other teams who were trying to sign the former Bears defensive back. The Vikings and Giants came the closest to beating out the Lions. The Redskins and Dolphins were also in the hunt but could only offer the NFL minimum.

In the end, McQuarters preferred going to a team with familiar faces. He played for Lions coach Steve Mariucci when he was a former first-round pick of the *****. In Chicago, McQuarters started for former Bears head coach Dick Jauron, who is the current Lions defensive coordinator.

McQuarters, 28, has played seven seasons, two with the ***** and five with the Bears. In his final season with Chicago, McQuarters showed the versatility of playing cornerback and safety. He's also a punt-returner.

The move by the Lions to sign McQuarters could end their bid to get former Patriots cornerback Ty Law, who visited the team last month. Prior to the draft, the Lions identified cornerback as a need.