In 1999, the most productive season of his career,

	Related Links: Pasquarelli: A day in the life of an NFL agent Ranking the top free agents Free agent signings Free agency terms Key dates in free agency AFC free agents NFC free Agents Around the NFL Audio: Lions RB James Stewart is not looking to replace Barry Sanders Real | Windows Media Audio: Stewart explains why he chose the Lions Real | Windows Media Forum: Will Stewart be healthy in 2000?
	T O P   N E W S

James Stewart rushed for 931 yards, or 184 fewer yards than Barry Sanders gained in the worst campaign of his 10-year NFL tenure. Still, the Detroit Lions regarded Stewart as the best possible replacement for their retired superstar, and on Monday morning they landed the Jacksonville Jaguars unrestricted free agent.

SportsLine has learned that, after weekend visits to Detroit and Cleveland, the five-year veteran has decided to sign with the Lions. He and agent Pat Dye Jr. quickly reached an agreement with the Lions on a five-year contract worth $25 million, including a $5.75 million signing bonus.

"This is like a puzzle here," Stewart said. "I fit into this puzzle real well. I think in Cleveland I'd have to carry the load. Here, I'll just be a piece."

The acquisition of Stewart could well enhance the likelihood that the Lions will trade Sanders, who will decide within the next two weeks about a possible return to the league.

The Browns clearly felt they had an edge in coach Chris Palmer, who was offensive coordinator in Jacksonville during two of Stewart's five seasons with the Jags. But Stewart felt comfortable with Detroit coach Bobby Ross during his two-day visit and liked the team's direction. Detroit also was very aggressive in its pursuit, with vice president Tom Lewand frequently calling Dye from the start of the signing period on Friday.

Ross, Lewand, vice president Chuck Schmidt and offensive coordinator Sylvester Croom made a hard pitch during an hour-long conference call with Dye on Saturday, in a last attempt to keep Stewart from even making the visit to Cleveland.

"Last year, teams knew we couldn't run and lined up to take away our ability to pass the ball," Croom said. "With James Stewart in the lineup, if they want to give us that same option and take away our passing game, we'll take full advantage of it."

The only other team to make a serious offer was Jacksonville, but the presence there of starter Fred Taylor all but assured Stewart would not re-sign with the Jaguars. The former Tennessee star was universally regarded as the top tailback available in the unrestricted free-agent talent pool.

Running back James Stewart shows off his new Detroit Lions uniform.(AP)

Stewart, 28, was the Jags' first-round pick in the 1995 draft and rushed for a team-best 525 yards his rookie season. He also led the team in '96, with 723 yards, but lost his starting job the following year when Jacksonville turned to Natrone Means as its feature back.

Stewart opened the '98 campaign with two consecutive 100-yard performances, but sustained a season-ending knee injury in the third game. Taylor took over the job and immediately became a star.

In '99, after rehabilitating from the anterior cruciate injury, Stewart started seven games as Taylor missed significant time with injuries. He carried 249 times for 931 yards and 13 touchdowns and caught 21 passes for 108 yards. In five years with the Jaguars, he played in 60 games, with 34 starts and rushed for 2,951 yards and 33 touchdowns.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.