Kicker Jason Hanson is not under contract with the Detroit Lions for the 2009 season, but it appears a near certainty he will return for an 18th season with the Lions next year.

"Jason Hanson, in our opinion, is one of the best kickers in the history of the game," Lions chief operating officer Tom Lewand said. "As long as he wants to be a Detroit Lion, we want him to be part of our team."

Lions’ Hanson wants to return for 18th season - Detroit Lions: News, Blogs, Photos, Audio, Schedule & Stats - MLive.com.