Israel Idonije explains decision to sign with Lions

Before defensive end Israel Idonije joined the Detroit Lions, he was mainly linked to the San Francisco 49ers. It seemed like a deal with the 49ers was the most likely outcome for Idonije, and a return to the Chicago Bears didn't seem completely out of the question, either. But in the end, he signed with the Lions instead.

What was so appealing about joining Detroit? Idonije explained in an interview with NFL AM on Tuesday morning that several things attracted him to the Lions.

"Just after Chicago kind of moved off the radar for the team for us to go with, Detroit just seemed like a great fit," Idonije said. "Six games out of the year I'm going to play teams that I'm very familiar with. The style of defense is the same style -- an attacking style of defense. And then when you start to look at the talent pool that they have defensively and the guys that I'll be lining up with, it just really was a perfect fit."

Idonije also found the Lions an ideal landing spot because of all the talent they have on the other side of the ball as well.

"Look across the line to the offense and the weapons that they have there," Idonije said. "It's just a great opportunity and really something that I'm looking forward to."

Idonije went on to say that his main goals are to "add value" to his new team and ultimately "win a championship." Whether or not the Lions are capable of making a run to the Super Bowl obviously remains to be seen, but you have to like the attitude Idonije is bringing to Detroit.