Detroit Lions safety Marquand Manuel (Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Despite having the league’s worst defense in 2009, the Detroit Lions are bringing back three minor contributors from last season.
Journeyman safety Marquand Manuel will sign a one-year, $805,000 contract with the Lions today. The move gives the Lions a viable option as the starting strong safety next to Louis Delmas, who stood out as a rookie last season.
Manuel, 30, started the first six games of the 2009 campaign, before a shoulder injury sidelined him on the injured reserve list in November. As an eight-year veteran, Manuel has spent time playing for Cincinnati, Seattle, Green Bay, Carolina, and Denver before landing in Detroit last season. He had 36 tackles and one forced fumble in six games last season.
He is expected to compete with Daniel Bullocks, who is a talented but often injured young safety. Bullocks has missed both the 2007 and 2009 seasons due to injuries. The Lions may also address the position in next month’s draft.
In other roster moves, the Lions have re-signed defensive end Copeland Bryan and cornerback DeAngelo Smith. Bryan will be counted on to provide depth at the position after recording one sack in five games last season. Smith, who the Lions signed midseason last year, is expected to help the Lions on special teams.