2015 Detroit Lions roster review: Lions searching for a starting safety opposite Quin

As part of our season wrap-up series, we are going to examine how each player on the roster performed in 2015. Next, let's take a look at the Detroit Lions' safeties.

Glover Quin

2015 stats: 16 games (16 starts) | 67 tackles, 5 passes defended, 4 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, 1 touchdown
2016 status: Signed through 2017

Quin had another solid outing in 2015, leading the Lions in interceptions for the second straight season. Additionally, Quin played in his 100th-consecutive game this year, proving his worth as a reliably healthy player, even after suffering a concussion in the first half of the Lions' game against the Saints.

James Ihedigbo

2015 stats: 15 games (8 starts) | 63 tackles, 1.0 sacks, 2 PDs, 1 INT, 3 FFs
2016 status: Unrestricted free agent

Ihedigbo entered the season with something to prove. In the offseason, Ihedigbo temporarily held himself out in camp, hoping to earn a bigger contract. However, he quickly gave up on the holdout and reported to the Lions' OTAs. The regular season didn't go much better for Ihedigbo, as his poor play eventually led him to the bench. He only started one of the team's final eight games.

Isa Abdul-Quddus

2015 stats: 16 games (8 starts) | 57 tackles, 1.0 sacks, 6 PDs, 1 FF | 2 rushes, 34 yards
2016 status: Unrestricted free agent

Abdul-Quddus took over for the struggling Ihedigbo halfway through the season. According to Pro Football Focus, Abdul-Quddus was much better at defending the run and was adequate in coverage. He also was responsible for two first down conversions on two fake punts.

Don Carey

2015 stats: 16 games (0 starts) | 21 tackles
2016 status: Signed through 2016

Carey has been a staple in the special teams department for a few years now. 2015 was no exception, as the Lions named Don Carey their 2015 Special Teams MVP. Carey actually led the NFL in special teams stops, but he did also draw several costly flags.

Isaiah Johnson

2015 stats: 6 games (0 starts) | 1 tackle
2016 status: Exclusive rights free agent

Johnson, an undrafted rookie, spent the majority of 2015 on the practice squad. When he was elevated to the active roster in Week 10, Johnson was mostly relegated to special teams duties.

Outlook for 2016

The Lions only have two safeties under contract for 2016: Quin and Carey. Quin is locked in as a starter, while Carey will likely stick around for his special teams value. The Lions will have to make a big decision on their other starting safety position. Abdul-Quddus is a younger, better option than Ihedigbo at this point. However, the Lions may choose to go off the board to fill the roster spot, as Abdul-Quddus has never played a full season as a starter in his five-year career.