Chris Houston has been the Lions best cornerback the past two seasons and had a team-high 11 passes defensed in 2012. (Daniel Mears / The Detroit News)
Allen Park — The Lions moved swiftly to sign one of their key free agents Wednesday.
Top cornerback Chris Houston will be back in Detroit next season after signing a five-year deal, Houston's agent confirmed on Twitter. The contract is worth $25 million with $9.5 million guaranteed, according to an NFL source.
Houston has been the Lions' best cornerback the past two seasons and had a team-high 11 passes defensed in 2012. He also tied for team-highs with two interceptions and two forced fumbles.
"Chris, this year, added some things to his resume that he really didn't have before," coach Jim Schwartz said at the NFL Scouting Combine last month. "There were a few games that he matched No. 1 wide receivers, guys like Andre Johnson, Brandon Marshall, people like that.
"He's played some quality football for us and has worked on some things early in his career that had been weaknesses. He's a vet, he's a pro, he's a guy that's been productive for us."
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