"New Lion Shaun Hill has no grandiose plans of being the team's starting quarterback this season. Hill knows Matthew Stafford has the job locked up, and Hill is fine with that.

"My role here is defined and I'm fine with that," he said Wednesday at Lions headquarters. "It was always up in the air (in San Francisco) -- you are or you aren't (a starter). I know my role (here)."

Hill, 30, is a nine-year NFL veteran who has played for the Vikings (2002-05) and 49ers (2006-09). The Lions traded a seventh-round pick in 2011 to the 49ers to acquire Hill.

"He's obviously very gifted, a very talented guy," Hill said of Stafford. "It's so tough coming in and playing as a rookie, I can't imagine. It was 13 games into my sixth year before I ever started or threw a pass. I can't imagine all the pressure and everything that's on (Stafford's) shoulders. I know he played well last year at times and he's only going to continue to get better. I'm excited to work with him. I think he'll hopefully be able to pick up some things from me and I think we'll have a good quarterback (rapport)."

Hill started the first six games last season for the 49ers and was 87-of-155 for 943 yards, with five touchdowns and two interceptions. With the 49ers, he accumulated a 10-6 record as a starter (7-1 at home). His career .625 winning percentage as a starter is the fourth-highest winning percentage among all undrafted quarterbacks since 1970 with a minimum of 10 starts."