Contract extensions usually come long after free agency with the Lions, but a deal to make Arland Bruce a member of the CFL club longer than normal was well within reach, and concluded Thursday.

It’s expected that a deal will soon be announced that will keep the catalyst to last year’s Grey Cup win through the 2013 season, a year longer than what was called for with the contract he signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Extensions come with a price, and it is believed that will result in a loss of take-home pay for Bruce, who will enter his 13th pro season. But it’s a bright light nonetheless for the Lions on a day in which another starter from last season, Solomon Elimimian, confirmed his departure for the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings. More later.