Where the Lions roster stands: Defense & special teams

On Monday, we took a look at the offensive side of the Detroit Lions roster. Now it's time to turn our attention to the defense and special teams. Just as we did with the offense, the defense and special teams are broken down by position and contract status. You can find out which players are under contract and for how long, as well as which players are set to become free agents this offseason. (Once again, for salary information, check out the Free Press' cap breakdown.)

Note: UFA = unrestricted free agent, RFA = restricted free agent and ERFA = exclusive-rights free agent.

Defensive end

Under contract: Ronnell Lewis (through 2015)

Free agents: Cliff Avril (UFA), Lawrence Jackson (UFA), Willie Young (RFA)

Defensive tackle

Under contract: Ndamukong Suh (through 2015, which is voidable year), Nick Fairley (through 2014 + club option for 2015), Ogemdi Nwagbuo (through 2013), Jimmy Saddler-McQueen (through 2014)

Free agents: Corey Williams (UFA), Sammie Hill (UFA), Andre Fluellen (UFA)

Linebacker

Under contract: Stephen Tulloch (through 2016), DeAndre Levy (through 2015), Ashlee Palmer (through 2014), Tahir Whitehead (through 2015), Travis Lewis (through 2015), Carmen Messina (through 2014)

Free agents: Justin Durant (UFA)

Cornerback

Under contract: Jonte Green (through 2015), Bill Bentley (through 2015), Ron Bartell (through 2013), Chris Greenwood (through 2015), Ross Weaver (through 2014), Conroy Black (through 2014), Lionel Smith (through 2014), D.J. Johnson (through 2013)

Free agents: Chris Houston (UFA), Jacob Lacey (UFA), Drayton Florence (UFA), Pat Lee (UFA)

Safety

Under contract: Don Carey (through 2013), John Wendling (through 2013), Tyrell Johnson (through 2013)

Free agents: Louis Delmas (UFA), Amari Spievey (RFA), Ricardo Silva (ERFA)

Specialists

Under contract: Blake Clingan (through 2015)

Free agents: Jason Hanson (UFA), Nick Harris (UFA), Don Muhlbach (UFA)

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