Ex-Lions LT Jeff Backus says retiring was an "easy decision."
"I just think as the years wore on, I knew that I was getting to a point in my career where I'm extremely fortunate for playing the number of years that I did," Backus said Tuesday. "You start taking into account your age and the way your body feels, it was an easy decision for me." It's unclear how the Lions plan to replace Matthew Stafford's blindside protector, but the No. 5 pick is a possibility. 2012 first-rounder Riley Reiff would be a shaky option.

Lions LT Jeff Backus is retiring from football.

DetroitLions.com believes LT Jeff Backus and TE Tony Scheffler could still be candidates for release.
Reporter Tim Twentyman cautions it's "pure speculation," but the fact that a team-approved writer is willing to put it out there is notable. Backus is due an affordable $2.75 million between salary and bonuses. Cutting Scheffler would free up $2.45 million in cap space, and make more sense considering his dreadful play in 2012.

Lions LT Jeff Backus is more likely to play in 2013 with C Dominic Raiola restructuring his contract and staying in Detroit.
Backus and Raiola have played together since both were selected in the first two rounds of the 2001 draft by the Lions. If Backus, 35, returns, that would seem to make it less likely free agent RT Gosder Cherilus will be re-signed. 2011 first-round pick Riley Reiff would be the favorite to start on the right side. GM Martin Mayhew has said he's "optimistic" Backus, who has one year left on his deal, will be back.

GM Martin Mayhew is "optimistic" LT Jeff Backus and free agent K Jason Hanson will be back with the Lions in 2013.