The Detroit Lions continued to work on re-signing some of their free agents on Wednesday by getting deals agreed to with quarterback Drew Stanton and safety John Wendling. Stanton's deal is for one year, according to Adam Schefter. Wendling's contract is three years long and is worth a total of $2.75 million (the cap hit for 2011 is $1.3 million).
Back when Stanton was considered a restricted free agent before the lockout the Lions tendered him an offer, indicating they wanted him to return. He became an unrestricted free agent under the new CBA and could have signed anywhere in the league, but he decided to stick with the Lions. He and Shaun Hill will compete this camp and preseason to be Matthew Stafford's backup at QB.
Wendling is returning mainly because of his excellent special teams play. While he does provide extra depth at safety, the main reason the Lions wanted to bring him back is for his work on special teams.
Stanton and Wendling join Brandon McDonald and Dave Rayner as players that have agreed to re-sign with the Lions.