NFL free-agent safety Sean Jones has been signed by the Detroit Lions to a one-year contract.

Jones, 30, has played for the Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles, and for the past two seasons, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The veteran safety had visited the Lions in May, but he didn't sign a contract.

Several other free-agents had visited Detroit to possibly sign for the safety position, including Chris Crocker and O.J. Atogwe.

The signing of Jones will add an important piece to the Lions defensive backfield this fall. Jones had 92 tackles for Tampa Bay in the 2011 season, and one sack. Jones will be up against now-teammates Erik Coleman and Amari Spievey for the starting job as safety.