Running back Joique Bell has signed a three-year deal today with the Detroit Lions worth $9.3 million, per the team web site.

Bell, who enters his fourth season in Detroit, was going to be on the 2014 Lions' roster. He was a restricted free agent and had been offered a tender. 

But both parties were looking to get more of a long-term deal done and they were able to make it happen.

The long-term deal will open up a little salary cap space. Free agency officially starts at 4 p.m. today (Tuesday).

Bell is coming off his best season in 2013. He had 1,197 combined yards — 166 carries for 650 yards and eight touchdowns, along with 53 catches for 547 yards.

He's originally from Benton Harbor and played college ball at Wayne State. 

Reggie Bush was the starter at 1A, but Bell was 1B.

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