Detroit Lions center Dominic Raiola has agreed to restructure his contract, Detroit Free Press beat writer Dave Birkett reported Thursday.
That means the 12-year pro likely will take a pay cut from the $4.05 million owed in 2013 to stay with the team. Raiola was set to count $6 million against the cap in the final year of his contract.
General manager Martin Mayhew has been extremely active of late. He cut receiver Titus Young, defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch and guard Stephen Peterman to save $8.5 million in cap space. Raiola would have been with them if he refused to re-work his deal.
Raiola has been the starting center since 2002. The line was adequate last season, but it's an aging unit with tackle Jeff Backus (35 years old), Raiola (34) and Peterman (31). Riley Reiff, the 2012 first-round pick, could move into the starting lineup next season along with 2010 fourth-round pick Jason Fox.
Even with the restructured deal, Raiola's time as a starter in Detroit is winding down.
Follow Kareem Copeland on Twitter @kareemcopeland.
