Miami Dolphins sign safety Isa Abdul-Quddus

The Miami Dolphins wanted George Iloka but couldn’t afford him.

So they went with a more budget-friendly second option at safety: Isa Abdul-Quddus, who spent the past two years with the Detroit Lions.

NFL Network first reported that Abdul-Quddus signed a three-year, $12.75 million contract with the Dolphins — starter money for a player who has started just 16 games in his career.

Dolphins defensive coordinator Vance Joseph wanted Iloka, who played for him in Cincinnati last year, but the Bengals simply priced Miami out. Iloka signed a five-year, $30 million deal to stay with his old team.

Abdul-Quddus played in all 16 games last year, starting eight. He is viewed as an in-the-box safety — a good complement to the rangy Reshad Jones.

Undrafted out of Fordham, Abdul-Quddus spent three years with the Saints before signing with the Lions in 2014.

They will make up half of the Dolphins’ rebuilt secondary, along with cornerback Byron Maxwell. The Dolphins surely aren’t done at corner yet; they will likely sign another.

For more details, plus other moves on a busy day for the Dolphins, visit the Dolphins in Depth blog.

This story was originally published March 9, 2016 at 5:23 PM with the headline "Miami Dolphins sign safety Isa Abdul-Quddus."