Dominic Raiola bulks up for season ahead

Dominic Raiola took a steep pay cut to remain with the Detroit Lions this season, shaving his base salary from $4 million to $1 million.

The 34-year-old has said it is not about the money, but he is about working to keep his game at as high a level as possible in what will be his 13th and possibly his final season with the franchise.

Raiola has packed on 20 pounds this offseason in an effort to bulk up to anchor the offensive line. He’s typically played at about 291 pounds, according to MLive.com, and he just went through minicamp at 310, bulk packed on with a careful diet and a lot of time in the weight room.

The Lions have been looking to get bigger up front and Raiola has always been considered undersized. If it doesn’t rob him of any quickness, he will be fine.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune

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