The Detroit Lions didn't take long to replace retired kicker Jason Hanson. The organization has agreed to terms with David Akers, the Detroit Free Press' Dave Birkett reported Friday, one day after Hanson made his announcement.
Lions fans might be in for a drastic change, considering Hanson was one of the most consistent kickers in NFL history. Akers was cut from the San Francisco 49ers after a disastrous 2012 season in which he connected on just 69 percent of his attempts.
This also is new territory because Hanson was with the team for 21 years. Eddie Murray was the Lions' kicker for 12 years before Hanson was drafted and took over in 1992. It's safe to assume the 38-year-old Akers won't last as long as his two predecessors.
Last season was the worst of Akers' career. He posted a career-high 88.2 percent in 2002, but he hasn't reached 87 percent since.
On the other hand, Hanson was automatic from mid-range and a security blanket for the Lions' offense. Maybe a change of scenery and the inside confines of Ford Field will help Akers' accuracy.
Follow Kareem Copeland on Twitter @kareemcopeland.
