by Alex Marvez

Redding agreed to restructure his contract to make the deal work. He signed a seven-year, $49 million deal with the Lions in 2007. Both players must pass physicals to complete the trade.

The deal raises questions about Detroit's draft-day plans. The Lions hold the top overall pick and Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry had been suggested as a candidate for that spot.

The Seahawks gave Peterson a $54 million, seven-year contract three years ago after their Super Bowl appearance in Detroit. Peterson became an expensive asset because linebacker Leroy Hill got $8.4 million guaranteed this year with a franchise tag and Lofa Tatupu signed a $42 million contract a year ago.

"The entire Seahawks organization greatly appreciates the contribution that Julian has made to our football team and to this community," Seahawks president Tim Ruskell said.

During its winless season, the lack of talent at linebacker was one of Detroit's glaring problems.

The Seahawks, meanwhile, had one of the league's best trios with Peterson, Tatupu and Hill.

After being Seattle's only player in the Pro Bowl, Peterson was dealt after a five-sack, 83-tackle season. He had 9.5 sacks and 10 sacks in his first two years with the Seahawks, the highest totals of his nine-year career.

The San Francisco 49ers drafted Peterson with the 16th overall pick in 2000 after he starred at Michigan State. The native of Temple Hills, Md., has 46 career sacks and eight interceptions.

Redding had only one sack in 2007 and three last season as a team leader of the NFL's first 0-16 season.

Detroit drafted the native of Houston with a third-round pick in 2003. The former Texas standout was used sparingly as a rookie before starting every game in four straight years and 12 last season. Redding has 16 sacks and 162 tackles over his six-season career.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.