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The Lions are in the thick of the playoff chase, but they’re working on the future as well.

According to Field Yates of ESPN, the Lions have extended safety Don Carey’s deal by a year.

He’s now under contract through 2017 for $1.35 million. He would have been an unrestricted free agent after the season.

The veteran safety is a key special teamer and backup for the Lions, who are 5-4 and atop the muddled NFC North at the moment.