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), Darryl Tapp (2015), Devin Taylor (2016), Larry Webster (2017), Phillip Hunt (2015)

Free agents: George Johnson (RFA)

Defensive tackle

Under contract: Caraun Reid (2017), Xavier Proctor (2016), Roy Philon (2016), Kerry Hyder (2016), Jermelle Cudjo (2015)

Free agents: Ndamukong Suh (UFA), Nick Fairley (UFA), C.J. Mosley (UFA), Andre Fluellen (UFA)

Linebacker

Under contract: DeAndre Levy (2015), Stephen Tulloch (2016), Tahir Whitehead (2015), Kyle Van Noy (2017), Julian Stanford (2015), Travis Lewis (2015), Jerrell Harris (2016)

Free agents: Josh Bynes (RFA), Ashlee Palmer (UFA)

Cornerback

Under contract: Darius Slay (2016), Bill Bentley (2015), Nevin Lawson (2017), Mohammed Seisay (2015), Crezdon Butler (2015)

Free agents: Rashean Mathis (UFA), Cassius Vaughn (UFA), Josh Thomas (UFA)

Safety

Under contract: Glover Quin (2017), James Ihedigbo (2015), Don Carey (2016), Nate Ness (2015)

Free agents: Isa Abdul-Quddus (UFA)

Special teams

Under contract: Matt Prater (2017), Sam Martin (2016), Don Muhlbach (2015)

Free agents: None