INDIANAPOLIS -- As the Detroit Lions head toward free agency in under three weeks and the team works on landing an extension for Ndamukong Suh, the team has decided it won't bring back a handful of other free agents.
Players not expected back include kicker David Akers, defensive end Israel Idonije, linebacker Rocky McIntosh, offensive lineman Dylan Gandy and safety/special-teams player John Wendling.
Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said every other free agent, including cornerback Rashean Mathis and backup quarterback Shaun Hill, could end up back with the Lions.
He also indicated the Lions have signed safety Isa Abdul-Quddus, whom the team claimed off waivers earlier this year and was scheduled to be a restricted free agent.
Abdul-Quddus signed a one-year deal worth $645,000 and could play a special-teams role for the Lions. Mayhew said when the former New Orleans Saint hit the waiver wire, special-teams coach John Bonamego campaigned to bring him in.
Bonamego had worked with him in New Orleans in 2011.
Abdul-Quddus' signing seems to fit the reason that the team would move on from Wendling, who was one of the Lions' better special teams players last season.
