NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch agreed to a four-year deal Friday with the Detroit Lions thanks to the personal touch of coach Jim Schwartz.
The Detroit coach wanted the Tennessee Titans starter to open free agency and landed the Lions' top target by waiting in Nashville outside Vanden Bosch's home when free agency began.
'I could be anywhere in the country right now, and I'm on your front step because you're the guy I want,''' Vanden Bosch said Friday morning on radio of Schwartz's message.He's a great coach, and last night he was a great salesman.''
Vanden Bosch said on WGFX-FM 104.5 The Zone that Schwartz left around 2:30 a.m. with only the final details to be worked out. Schwartz worked with Vanden Bosch when he was Titans defensive coordinator.
The deal reportedly is $26 million with $10 million due in the first year for the 31-year-old defensive end. Agent Tony Agnone did not immediately return messages left by The Associated Press.
A nine-year veteran, Vanden Bosch spent the past five seasons with the Titans, getting all of his 43 1/2 career sacks. He was a first alternate for the AFC last season despite only three sacks and played in his third Pro Bowl in January. He still ranked fifth with 86 tackles and 20 quarterback pressures.
