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Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Larry Foote says he is on the verge of signing with his hometown Detroit Lions. In a text message sent Wednesday to The Associated Press, Foote writes: "I'm signing this morning."
The lowly Lions finished the 2008/2009 season winless, but with the potential signing of Foote, things are beginning to look up.
"Nobody is saying the Lions are heading to the Super Bowl," commented Don Shapiro of Gambling911.com. "But with a few adjustments, they can certainly make an impact in the NFC North."
The Detroit Lions odds of winning the NFC North were listed at +1800 for a payout potential of $1800 on every $100 bet.
"This is one of the weakest divisions," says Shapiro.
The Minnesota Vikings were the favorite at press time, paying $125 for every $100 bet to win the 2009 NFC North. Green Bay and Chicago would both pay out $180 for every $100 bet.
Foote said most of the terms of the deal were reached Tuesday night and he expected it to be completed Wednesday morning.
"I'm excited because it's a fresh start for me," Foote said Tuesday night in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. "It's a one-year deal to show my talents, and hopefully end up signing a long-term deal after showing the Lions and their new coaching staff what I can do."
His joining the Lions could impact , their odds of winning significantly.
Foote, a fourth-round draft pick in 2002, had 14 1/2 sacks and three interceptions over the last five years with Pittsburgh after mostly being used on special teams in his first two seasons.
The Pittsburgh Steelers released Foote on Monday, a move expected because he asked to be traded or cut.
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Mary Montgomery, Gambling911.com
