The Detroit Lions have signed veteran duo Rashean Mathis and Rocky McIntosh.

Mathis joins despite not having played a full 16-game season since reaching the Pro Bowl in 2006. The 33-year-old spent nine years at the Jacksonville Jaguars before being released at the end of last season.

The cornerback has been brought in to help the Lions' defence after they struggled in a 24-6 pre-season loss to the Cleveland Browns on Thursday.

Linebacker McIntosh also joins the side having trained with them earlier in the summer following his release from the St Louis Rams.

McIntosh appeared in all 16 matches for the Rams last season having joined them after a five-year stint at the Washington Redskins.

The 30-year-old will face competition from the likes of Stephen Tulloch, DeAndre Levy, Ashlee Palmer, Tahir Whitehead and Travis Lewis for a spot in the side.