The NFL’s waiver period got underway today, and the league announced that a single claim was made: The Lions claimed safety Isa Abdul-Quddus off waivers from the Saints (Twitter link via Field Yates of ESPN Boston). Additionally, the Bengals cut punter Shawn Powell, according to Tom Pelissero of USA Today (Twitter link).
Abdul-Quddus, 25, has spent his first three seasons with the Saints, and will be eligible for restricted free agency this offseason. The Lions will have the option of making a tender offer to the Fordham alum, which would ensure that they could match any rival offers he received in free agency. Abdul-Quddus started three games for the Saints during the 2012 season, grabbing a pair of interceptions and recovering a fumble, but saw most of his action in 2013 on special teams.
Powell, meanwhile, had been slated to become an exclusive rights free agent following his second NFL season. Before filling in for the Bengals this season, Powell spent time with the Bills, replacing veteran punter Brian Moorman in 2012 in Buffalo.