Lions free-agent profile: Andre Fluellen

To get ready for free agency, we're going to take a look at each of the Detroit Lions' 2015 free agents. Next up is defensive tackle Andre Fluellen.

2014 stats

8 games (0 starts) | 10 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 1 FR

How he joined the Lions

Signed as a free agent in November 2014 (was originally drafted in the third round in 2008).

Case for re-signing him

I've honestly lost track of how many times the Lions have brought back Fluellen over the years, but there's a reason they always turn to him when they're in need of extra depth at defensive tackle. Fluellen isn't someone who is going to take over games or put up a ton of stats, but he's a reliable veteran who knows how to get the job done. With that in mind, there's certainly no harm in bringing him back as extra depth going into training camp.

Case against re-signing him

The flip side, of course, is that Fluellen has been let go so many times in the past because he is what he is at this point. He doesn't necessarily have the potential to play above his current talent level, and he's not necessarily someone the Lions want to spend time developing for the future. If they're in a bind, he's a good player to have around, but when it comes to trying to build the defensive tackle position for the future, I suppose the Lions could do better from a talent and upside standpoint.

Final verdict

Fluellen will almost certainly be available for a minimum type of deal, and the Lions would be foolish to not re-sign him given the uncertainty at defensive tackle. Maybe the position will be in such great shape by this summer that Fluellen won't even make the 53-man roster, but having him around as extra insurance in the meantime would be smart. (Plus, we all know that Fluellen will be back eventually, so why delay the inevitable?)

Previously: QB Dan Orlovsky, QB Kellen Moore, FB Jed Collins, WR Jeremy Ross, TE Kellen Davis, OT Corey Hilliard, OG Rob Sims, OG Garrett Reynolds, C Dominic Raiola, DE Darryl Tapp, DE George Johnson, DT Ndamukong Suh, DT Nick Fairley, DT C.J. Mosley