The latest piece in the Detroit Lions' roster makeover comes from a division rival.
The Lions confirmed that they've reached a contract agreement with free-agent defensive end Israel Idonije, who played the last nine seasons with the Chicago Bears.
He is 6-foot-6, 275 pounds, was born in Nigeria and was an undrafted player coming out of college at the University of Manitoba (Canada) in 2003.
Idonije, 32, made 7 1/2 sacks last season in 16 games (11 starts). He has 28 1/2 sacks in his career.
The Lions will have a totally new look at defensive end after getting little production at the position last season when they finished 4-12.
Idonije joins free-agent addition Jason Jones (from Seattle) and draft picks Ezekiel "Ziggy" Ansah (fifth overall out of BYU) and Devin Taylor (fourth round out of South Carolina).
Willie Young, who was re-signed to a one-year deal, also figures into the mix.
They'll help replace Cliff Avril (to Seattle), Kyle Vanden Bosch (released) and Lawrence Jackson (to Minnesota).
