Safety John Wendling is one of many Detroit Lions players that are set to become free agents this offseason. Right now, though, it's not exactly clear when they will hit the open market. If the collective bargaining agreement wasn't expiring on March 4, that is when players that finished up the final year of their deal last season would be free to sign elsewhere. If a new CBA is agreed to by then, it's possible that could remain the date. If there is a lockout, though, players set to enter free agency are going to have to wait to find out where they end up.
For someone like Wendling, one way he could secure his future right now is by re-signing with the Lions. The team reportedly had some discussions in January about making a move to re-sign Wendling, but nothing developed and now his agent thinks the open market is in the safety's future.
"As of today, I think he’ll hit the free-agent market, whenever that might be," Zuckerman said.
Wendling was outstanding on special teams last season, earning the role of being an alternate for the Pro Bowl. He was one of the players that helped the Lions' special teams coverage improve greatly compared to 2009, so it'd be nice if Detroit could bring him back. Right now with the CBA set to expire, though, it may be a case of wait and see for both Wendling and the Lions.