Michael Rothstein, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Detroit Lions position review/outlook: Safeties

The Detroit Lions finished up one of their most successful seasons -- record-wise -- in franchise history. Now, the offseason begins with the combine, free agency, and the NFL draft.

To start that process moving, we’ll look at each position group over last week and this week analyzing what worked, what didn’t, and projecting what could happen between now and training camp, a little more than six months away.

Previous analyses: Quarterbacks; Running backs; Wide receivers; Tight ends; Offensive tackles; Interior offensive linemen; Defensive line; Linebackers; Cornerbacks

2015 Free Agents: Isa Abdul-Quddus

The good: I’ll be the first one to admit -- I questioned the James Ihedigbo signing during free agency. He was 30 years old when he signed. He had a good season with the Ravens in 2013, but other than that had been somewhat of a journeyman. I ended up being quite wrong on Ihedigbo. He immediately became one of the leaders in the locker room, and a strong pairing with Glover Quin to form one of the best safety units in the league. The Lions did not allow many big plays with Quin and Ihedigbo in the back end, and Ihedigbo was a Pro Bowl alternate. Quin had a breakout season in his second year with the Lions. He had 73 tackles and a league-leading seven interceptions. He also made his first Pro Bowl, and with Stephen Tulloch out, he turned into the unquestioned leader of Detroit’s defense. Abdul-Quddus turned into a good pickup by general manager Martin Mayhew after he was waived by New Orleans during the playoffs last season. He turned into a reliable third safety. Both Quin and Ihedigbo held their assignments to under 12 yards per reception according to Pro Football Focus and had opponent passer ratings under 75.

The bad: There weren’t many issues here, although Ihedigbo’s injury at the start of the season was a concern. There were also many miscommunications during losses to New England and Green Bay -- the only two games of the season both starters appeared to struggle. Ihedigbo was particularly rough against the Packers, getting benched in the second half. Other than those blips, this was a strong position group this season.

The money (using 2015 cap numbers from ESPN Stats & Information): Quin has a camp number of $5.742 million this season, but no bonuses. Ihedigbo has a cap number of $1.975 million, including a $500,000 roster bonus. Don Carey has a $995,000 cap number, including a $50,000 roster bonus if he is on the roster on the fifth day of the new league year in March.

Potential cuts: None. With only three on the roster right now, no one of the guys from the 53-man roster last season appears headed anywhere before camp. Quin and Ihedigbo were exceptional together, and Carey is a valuable special teamer. If anyone gets cut, it would be Carey, but he would be a more likely post-June 1 cut if anything.

Draft priority: It’s possible, since Ihedigbo is in the final season of his deal and the Lions could want him to groom someone. There are much bigger needs, though, and if Abdul-Quddus returns, he could be the post-Ihedigbo answer.

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