Detroit Lions Officially Sign David Akers

Last week, Detroit Lions kicker Jason Hanson retired from football after playing in Detroit for 21 seasons. The 42-year old carried a field goal percentage of 82.4% for his career and had been the oldest player in the NFL. Luckily for Lions fans, the team wasted no time in replacing Hanson, as it was reported last week that they had agreed to a contract with former Eagles and 49ers kicker David Akers. Today, that contract was finalized and Akers is officially a member of the Lions for the 2013 season.

Akers isn't much younger than Hanson though, as he is 38 years old. From 2000 until 2011, Akers made 83.1% of his field goals and only dipped below 75% for a full season once, in 2005. However, he struggled in 2012 making just 29 of 42 attempts (a 69.0% rate), a better performance than only one NFL kicker who had more than 15 attempts. (Yes, that was Mason Crosby.)

If you're wondering what Akers' contract looks like, we have the details courtesy of Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press:

David Akers' 1-year deal is for what the #Lions offered Jason Hanson. $940k vet minimum base, $65k bonus. Vet benefit cap hit of $620k

— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) April 10, 2013