No Slow Down In The NFL Offseason Marketplace

Saturday, March 10th 2007, 4:24 pm

By: News On 6

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) _ Free agent running back TJ Duckett is heading back to the area where he starred in college. The Michigan State product has agreed to a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions.

The 6-foot, 254-pound Duckett played with the Washington Redskins last season after four years with the Atlanta Falcons. He had 38 carries for 132 yards and 2-touchdowns.

Duckett was selected 18th overall by the Falcons in the 2002 NFL draft after finishing his Spartans' career with 3,379 yards.

Elsewhere around the league

_ The Raiders are adding another running back to their roster. Free agent fullback Justin Griffith has agreed to a three-year contract with Oakland. The deal was announced a day after the Silver and Black signed running back Dominic Rhodes to a two-year deal to team with LaMont Jordan as the team's featured runners. Griffith had spent his four-year career as a blocking back in Atlanta, where he helped the Falcons lead the NFL in rushing the past three seasons.

_ Versatile offensive lineman Sean Mahan agreed to a five-year deal with Pittsburgh. He's the Steelers' first free agent pickup of the offseason. Tampa Bay drafted Mahan in the fifth round in 2003. He started eight games at center in 2004. He started 16 games at right guard in 2005 and 12 games at left guard last season.

_ Unrestricted free agent Wade Smith has re-signed with the New York Jets for the 2007 campaign. The backup offensive lineman spent most of last season with the Jets after being released by the Miami Dolphins, who selected him in the third round of the 2003 draft.

_ The Arizona Cardinals signed free-agent Roderick Hood to a five-year contract. The 25-year-old cornerback, who can also return kicks. Hood collected 98 tackles, five interceptions, four fumble recoveries and a forced fumble in 56 games for the Philadelphia Eagles in his first four years in the league.