Lions, Jed Collins agree to one-year deal

The Detroit Lions have officially brought back the fullback position. After a few years of going without a traditional fullback, the Lions added one to their roster on Wednesday by agreeing to a one-year deal with Jed Collins. Michael Rothstein reports that it's a minimum salary deal for Collins, so it will have a minimal impact on the salary cap.

Collins joins the Lions after spending the last four years with the New Orleans Saints. He started out in New Orleans on the practice squad in 2010, and he became the Saints' starting fullback in 2011. He made 11 starts that year, seven in 2012 and eight last season.

Collins is a more traditional blocking type of fullback, but the Saints also got him the ball at times. He carried the ball 15 times for 45 yards and 1 touchdown last season, and he also caught 14 passes for 54 yards. In 2012, he didn't have any carries, but he caught 14 passes for 70 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also had 2 touchdowns through the air in 2011, and he had 2 touchdowns on the ground as well.

Earlier this offseason, the Lions made it known that they wanted to add a traditional fullback back to their offense. The signing of Collins confirms that the traditional fullback role will once again exist in Detroit, and now Collins and offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi are reunited after spending time together in New Orleans.