Graham, Donahue expected to compete for Lions’ punting job

For the second straight season, there will be competition in training camp to win the Lions’ punting job.

The Lions signed Ben Graham to a one-year deal Monday, with Ryan Donahue already under contract for 2012.

Donahue beat out the incumbent Nick Harris for the job in training camp last season and became the first rookie punter to open the season for the Lions since Mike Black in 1983. He played in the season’s first eight games before hurting his quadriceps in practice and being placed on injured reserve a month later.

Donahue had an average of 42.7 yards per punt with a net of 35.6.

Graham originally signed with the Lions Nov. 15 and was the team’s punter for the final seven games of 2011. He averaged 44.1 yards per punt with a 38.7 net.

Entering his 9th NFL season, Graham has also spent time with the Jets (2005-08), Saints (2008) and Cardinals (2008-10, 2011).

If anything, punting drills just got a little more interesting in training camp.