11:35am: The Lions have officially announced Pettigrew’s new deal (via Twitter). We passed along additional details on the contract earlier today.
7:06am: The Lions and Brandon Pettigrew have agreed to a four-year contract that will keep the free agent tight end in Detroit, reports Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. According to Birkett, Pettigrew’s new deal is worth $16MM, with $8MM in guaranteed money.
Pettigrew, who had 71 receptions in 2010 and 83 in 2011, was one of the top tight ends to reach the unrestricted free agent market, after Dennis Pitta re-signed with the Ravens and Jimmy Graham was designated as the Saints’ franchise player. The former 20th overall pick was said to be nearing an agreement yesterday, with the Lions attempting to fight off other suitors like the Jets, Raiders, and Chiefs.
Having already signed wide receiver Golden Tate to a long-term deal, the Lions are ensuring that Matthew Stafford will have plenty of targets besides Calvin Johnson to throw to in 2014. According to Birkett, the club still intends to add at least one more receiver, perhaps early in May’s draft.