ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- The Detroit Lions have signed former 49ers Pro Bowl left guard Ray Brown to a one-year deal.

The 39-year-old, who last year was named to his first Pro Bowl, was released in June by San Francisco in a salary-cap related move.

Brown, a 16-year veteran drafted in the eighth round by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1986, also has played for Washington.

"It's just a blessing to be playing again,'' Brown said. "I think the 49ers felt my term came to an end. This is where I was wanted.''

Lions coach Marty Mornhinweg said Monday that only left tackle Jeff Backus has secured a starting spot on the line.

"How well will he fit in? He was a Pro Bowl player last year,'' said Mornhinweg.

Brown, 6-5, 318, practiced for the first time Tuesday with the Lions.

"Retirement was never an option,'' he said. ``I just wanted to get a chance to play and teach some young guys some things.''