ALLEN PARK, Mich. — The Detroit Lions have signed center Dominic Raiola to a four-year contract extension.

The team announced yesterday that the 6-foot-1, 295-pound, starter will remain in Detroit through the 2013 season. Additional contract terms were not disclosed.

"I think it's an honor — coming from the Ford family and just the front office upstairs to give me this," Raiola said. "I worked hard for this and there were a lot of people that went into me getting this. This is just the start for me. I'm excited to be here and really finish my career."

Raiola, a Saint Louis School alum, is entering his ninth season with the Lions. He was drafted 50th overall in 2001 and has started at center since 2002, playing in 124 games with 108 starts.

Raiola departed Nebraska after his junior-year season.

OUTSIDE THE LINES

GOODELL ON VICK

Commissioner Roger Goodell is beginning to focus on evaluating Michael Vick's future in the NFL.

That doesn't mean a decision will come any time before the 2009 regular season begins in September.

Goodell said yesterday his decision on whether to reinstate the former Atlanta Falcons star quarterback, convicted on federal charges of running a dogfighting ring, will come "in due time."

The commissioner said he won't sit down with Vick until after the former quarterback is released July 20 from home confinement and federal custody.