ALLEN PARK — Chris Houston and Bobby Carpenter, two key players from the end of last season, signed contracts with the Lions on Wednesday.

Both watched the end of practice from the sidelines and will be on the practice field Thursday with the rest of the free agents.

Houston said two or three other teams had interest in him, but he didn’t visit any other team. He knew all along he wanted to return to Detroit after his first season with the Lions last year.

“Being here with my teammates, my coaches, knowing the scheme and the way we were on the upside of Detroit it was kind of a no-brainer. You want to assess the market and see what’s out there, but I feel comfortable here,’’ Houston said after practice.

Carpenter had been in contact with the Lions since the lockout ended. He got the call Tuesday at his home in Columbus, Ohio, and drove up Tuesday night.

The Lions called him after they released Zack Follett on Tuesday.

Carpenter was signed on Oct. 20 last season due to a rash of linebacker injuries. He fit in right away, played in 10 games. He finished on a good note with 10 tackles in the Dec. 26 win at Miami and eight tackles in the final game.

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche.)