Lions free-agent profile: Could Isa Abdul-Quddus take over as a full-time starter?

To get ready for free agency, we're going to take a look at each of the Detroit Lions' 2016 free agents. Next up, Isa Abdul-Quddus

2015 stats

16 games (8 starts) | 57 tackles, 1.0 sacks, 6 passes defended, 1 forced fire | 2 rushes, 34 yards

How he joined the Detroit Lions

Abdul-Quddus joined the Lions in 2014, signing a small, one-year contract. After contributing on special teams for a season, the Lions re-signed him to another one-year, $1.5 million contract.

Case for re-signing him

The Lions brought Abdul-Quddus back in 2015 because of his special teams acumen. However, he ended up playing a much bigger role than expected. After the Lions eventually decided to bench James Ihedigbo halfway through the season, Abdul-Quddus stepped in and proved he could manage as a starting safety. His season wasn't phenomenal but he was a reliable run-stopper and an adequate coverage man. Abdul-Quddus finished with the sixth-most tackles on the team and the third-most passes defended.

Case against re-signing him

Quddus doesn't have much experience as a starter, only starting 16 total games in his five-year career. He only has two career interceptions and zero as a Lion. If the Lions are going to place their hopes in Abdul-Quddus based on half of a season, they are taking a big risk. Detroit could instead look to fill the position with an early-round draft pick or a free agent like George Iloka (who has been linked to the Lions via rumors).

Final verdict

Abdul-Quddus proved he's worthy of a spot on pretty much any 53-man roster. He has contributed as a special teamer for all five years of his career, and he solidified himself as -- at the very least -- decent depth at the safety position. The Lions have a lot of holes on their roster, so if Abdul-Quddus ends up on the starting roster Week 1, it wouldn't be a glaring problem. That being said, it would probably be best to have Abdul-Quddus as Plan B. But the Lions should still make a play to bring him back.

Previously: QB Dan Orlovsky, WR Lance Moore, TE Bear Pascoe, DT Tyrunn Walker, DT Jermelle Cudjo, DT Haloti Ngata, DE Jason Jones, DE Darryl Tapp, DE Corey Wootton, LB Tahir Whitehead, LB Travis Lewis, CB Josh Wilson