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Kicker David Akers will not return to the Lions next season. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)

INDIANAPOLIS -- Embattled Detroit Lions kicker David Akers is among five veterans who were informed by general manager Martin Mayhew they will not return next season.

Safety John Wendling, defensive end Israel Idonije, offensive lineman Dylan Gandy and linebacker Rocky McIntosh also are out.

Mayhew would not discuss the future of players he has not yet personally talked to. That includes cornerback Rashean Mathis, who is set to become a free agent next month after starting most of his one season with the team.

Akers is the most notable player of those who will not return. He signed with the Lions last offseason, but fell out of favor after struggling with his accuracy.

He was 19-of-24 on the season, good for a 79.2 percent hit rate that was his second-worst mark since 2007.

Mayhew said he expects kickers John Potter and Giorgio Tavecchio to compete for the job after signing futures deals this offseason, though the club could pursue veterans in free agency.

Wendling spent the past four seasons with Detroit as a special teams ace, and was a captain the past two years.

"He's a heck of a guy," Mayhew said Friday morning in Indianapolis during a breakfast session with local reporters. "Spoke to him and told him I appreciated his efforts the past few years. I certainly wish him the best."

Idonije, Gandy, and McIntosh spent one season with Detroit as reserves.

Mayhew did not say whether the club would try to re-sign backup quarterback Shaun Hill, but did say the Lions will explore their QB options in free agency.