What will Lions do with their other free agents?

Free agency begins Tuesday, and the Lions have plenty of work to do to upgrade several positions.

Unfortunately, the Lions won't know exactly what they can do until All-Pro, free-agent defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh makes his decision.

The Lions have about $18 million in cap space, and signing Suh would require a significant portion of that.

"Suh is going to get a record contract," ESPN analyst and former Eagles personnel executive Louis Riddick said during a teleconference Thursday. "It'll be well north of $50 million in guaranteed money and will probably push high into the teens average as far as per year, approaching quarterback money on an average per year basis.

"If Detroit can't sign him, then they've got to make a decision here. Then, really, the attention turns to Nick Fairley and what kind of deal can they reach with him that, one, protects them from Nick's inconsistencies, but at the same time doesn't just totally gut them down the middle of their defense."

Besides defensive tackle, the Lions certainly need upgrades on the offensive line and at cornerback.

Riddick said he doesn't expect Suh to return to the Lions. But whatever happens, the Lions will have to make a decision on most of their other free agents early next week.

Unrestricted

Isa Abdul-Quddus, S

A waiver claim last offseason, he exceeded expectations by winning the No. 3 safety job out of camp and playing well the first three games when James Ihedigbo was hurt. Abdul-Quddus, 25, also is one of the top special teams players.

Outlook: Return likely

Jed Collins, FB

He never became more than a lead blocker his first year (13 touches, though seven converted first downs). The Lions like Collins, 29, more as a man than player, and practice squad member Emil Igwenagu is a cheaper option at a position being phased out.

Outlook: Return very unlikely

Kellen Davis, TE

He played in six games but didn't have any catches, though he is a solid blocker. Davis, 29, would be wise to look elsewhere with Eric Ebron, Brandon Pettigrew and Joseph Fauria on the team.

Outlook: Return unlikely

Nick Fairley, DT

The decision to decline his $5.5 million option worked in some ways as he performed well the first eight games before a season-ending knee injury. Now, the Lions might need to re-sign Fairley, 27, if Ndamukong Suh leaves. The problem is Fairley still has enough potential to make more than $5.5 million per year on the open market, and the Lions don't think that highly of him.

Outlook: Return unlikely

Andre Fluellen, DT

He was out of football the first two months, but the Lions signed him before Week 10 and he played well as a rotational player. The Lions value Fluellen, 29, more than other teams, and he's an important piece for defensive line depth.

Outlook: Return likely

Corey Hilliard, OT

He missed the entire season with a foot injury, but should be ready to battle for a right tackle job. In Detroit, though, Hilliard, 29, would have no clear path to playing time after losing a training camp competition the last two years. Hilliard can contribute somewhere, but not behind Riley Reiff, LaAdrian Waddle, Cornelius Lucas and a likely pick.

Outlook: Return unlikely

Rashean Mathis, CB

The Lions want him back, and he believes he can play a couple more years. Mathis, 34, had nine passes defensed, an INT returned for a TD and a forced fumble and was 12th among cornerbacks by Pro Football Focus. His role as a mentor cannot be understated, either.

Outlook: Return very likely

C.J. Mosley, DT

He was a solid contributor, first as the No. 3 tackle then as a starter the second half. Mosley, 31, had 2.5 sacks and is a fringe starter the Lions will need if Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley leave.

Outlook: 50-50

Ashlee Palmer, LB

He lost his starting job to Tahir Whitehead, and his path to a job is even murkier with DeAndre Levy, Stephen Tulloch and Kyle Van Noy around. Though the Lions like Palmer, 28, on special teams, they could find a younger option.

Outlook: Return very unlikely

Matt Prater, K

He said he wants to be back, and the Lions would love to have him back to avoid the disastrous situation they dealt with before signing him midseason last year. Prater, 30, was 21-for-26 on field goals.

Outlook: Return very likely

Dominic Raiola, C

After 14 seasons with the Lions and 13 as the starting center, Raiola, 36, was told he would not be back.

Outlook: Gone

Garrett Reynolds, OL

He was a versatile option for the Lions, playing some right tackle and right guard. But Reynolds, 27, didn't excel, and as the Lions look to get younger on the offensive line, it's hard to see his role.

Outlook: Return unlikely

Ndamukong Suh, DT

He will be the belle of the ball this weekend as teams rush to make him offers in the three-day negotiating window before free agency begins Tuesday. Suh, 28, is going to get a contract with at least $52 million guaranteed and likely in excess of $100 million. The Lions will make every effort to re-sign him, but it's up to him where he wants to play.

Outlook: 50-50

Rob Sims, OG

He wants to return and the Lions want him back. Sims, 31, overcame some early struggles, but still wasn't as good as he was in 2012. There's a good chance he'll be back to groom the next starting left guard.

Outlook: Return very likely

Josh Thomas, CB

He played in one game late when the Lions were in a bind. Thomas, 25, is not a starting-caliber guy, and the Lions would like to upgrade their cornerbacks.

Outlook: Return very unlikely

Cassius Vaughn, CB

He had a couple bright spots with two INTs, but was mostly a liability in coverage. The Lions might want Vaughn, 27, back on the cheap, but they want to go younger and bigger.

Outlook: Return very unlikely

Restricted

Josh Bynes, LB

He won't receive a tender, but the Lions would like him back. Bynes, 25, proved he can play inside and outside and is solid on special teams.

Outlook: Return likely

George Johnson, DE

After having six sacks as a relative unknown, the Lions certainly want him back. The Lions haven't said which level they'll tender Johnson, 27, but they'll try to make sure it's high enough to avoid another team stealing him.

Outlook: Return very likely

Kellen Moore, QB

Whether or not he wants to be back is likely up to him. With Dan Orlovsky re-signed, Moore, 25, will have a hard time earning the No. 2 job.

Outlook: 50-50

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Jeremy Ross, WR

He will be back because the Lions can sign him for a minimum deal. But he'll have to earn his spot after struggling in the return game.

Outlook: Return very likely

jkatzenstein@detroitnews.com

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