Lions' James Ihedigbo: 2015 season was 'humbling'
The 2015 season took an unexpected turn for Detroit Lions safety James Ihedigbo. He started for the first half of the season, but Isa Abdul-Quddus replaced him in the starting lineup for the second half.
The Lions went 1-7 with Ihedigbo in the starting lineup and 6-2 after Abdul-Quddus stole his job. The 32-year-old veteran described that development as "humbling."
A former undrafted free agent, Ihedigbo worked his way up the ranks to become a starter. He signed with the Lions in the spring of 2014 and was productive in his first season, 71 tackles (59 solo), two sacks, eight defended passes and four interceptions. Those numbers fell to 63 tackles (47 solo), one sack, two defended passes and one interception in 2015.
Ihedigbo's contract will expire this spring. He's unlikely to return to the Lions at anything more than the veteran minimum, since his skills appear to be in serious decline.