Where the Lions roster stands: Defense & special teams

Continuing our general look at the Detroit Lions roster, below is a breakdown of the defense and special teams. You can find the offensive breakdown here.

Note: UFA = unrestricted free agent, RFA = restricted free agent and ERFA = exclusive-rights free agent. The final year of each player's contract is listed in parentheses (if they are actually under contract, that is).

Defensive end

Under contract: Ziggy Ansah (2016 + team option for 2017), Jason Jones (2015), Devin Taylor (2016)

Free agents: Willie Young (UFA), Israel Idonije (UFA)

Defensive tackle

Under contract: Ndamukong Suh (2014 + player option for 2015), Nick Fairley (2014 + team option for 2015), C.J. Mosley (2014), Corvey Irvin (2014), Jimmy Saddler-McQueen (2015), Xavier Proctor (2015)

Free agents: Andre Fluellen (UFA)

Linebacker

Under contract: DeAndre Levy (2015), Stephen Tulloch (2016), Ashlee Palmer (2014), Tahir Whitehead (2015), Travis Lewis (2015), Cory Greenwood (2015), Brandon Hepburn (2015), Jon Morgan (2015)

Free agents: Rocky McIntosh (UFA), Julian Stanford (ERFA)

Cornerback

Under contract: Chris Houston (2017), Bill Bentley (2015), Darius Slay (2016), Jonte Green (2015)

Free agents: Rashean Mathis (UFA), Chris Greenwood (ERFA)

Safety

Under contract: Glover Quin (2017), Don Carey (2016), DeJon Gomes (2014), Isa Abdul-Quddus (2014), Akwasi Owusu-Ansah (2015)

Free agents: John Wendling (UFA)

Special teams

Under contract: John Potter (2015), Giorgio Tavecchio (2015), Sam Martin (2016), Don Muhlbach (2014)

Free agents: David Akers (UFA)