Former University of Hawaii receiver Greg Salas’ football journey is heading to Motown.

On Wednesday, Salas signed a one-year, free-agent contract with the Detroit Lions.

If he makes the Lions’ opening-day roster, Salas will earn the $745,000 minimum salary for a player with four years of NFL experience. Salas already has qualified for an NFL pension and health benefits when he turns 55. The average NFL career is 3.3 years, according to figures provided by the NFL players association.

"I’m happy and blessed for it," Salas said.

Salas completed his UH career in the 2010 Hawaii Bowl. He was the St. Louis Rams’ fourth-round draft selection in 2011.

Salas played for the New York Jets the past two seasons. He also has played for the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles.

On Dec. 1 of last year, Salas scored on a 20-yard run during a nationally televised Monday night game. It was his first NFL regular-season touchdown. It also was his last game as a Jet. He suffered a hamstring injury on the play and, two days later, he was placed on the injured-reserve list. He was ineligible for the final three games of the regular season.

Salas said his hamstring has fully healed.

His contract with the Jets expired after the season. With the Jets hiring a new coaching staff and general manager, Salas said, "I ended up not re-signing with them."

Salas’ agent fielded several offers. Salas and his agent believed the Lions presented the best opportunity.

Matthew Stafford is the Lions’ quarterback. Stafford also was Georgia’s quarterback when the Bulldogs played the Warriors in the 2008 Sugar Bowl.

Salas said he looks forward to the Lions’ offensive system, which is similar to the New Orleans Saints’ schemes.

"They spread us all out and they throw it a lot, which I like, so it should be fun," Salas said.

Salas said he kept in shape training in Los Angeles and, for a little bit, in Hawaii.

Of his pro career, Salas said, "I’ve made a lot of stops along the way. It helped me build character as a man and helped me find myself and helped me mature a lot."

There has been much to celebrate recently. Two months ago, Salas, while holding flowers and with his dogs at his side, took a knee and proposed to Dominique Reeuwijk. She recently graduated magna cum laude from Loyola Marymount. They plan to marry early next year.

"If anybody in Hawaii has a great marriage spot, let me know," Salas said.