The Detroit Lions have plenty of holes on their roster. Running back is not one of them.
The Lions signed nearly a dozen free agents last spring, all of them to one-year deals with one exception: Jamaal Williams, who signed a two-year contract to be D’Andre Swift’s backup.
Swift and Williams remain under contract in 2022 and give the Lions the makings of a dependable backfield. Swift missed four games with injuries but set career highs with 617 yards rushing and 452 yards receiving. Williams ran for a career-high 601 yards despite the fewest offensive snaps (317) of his career.
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The Lions have not had a 1,000-yard rusher since Reggie Bush in 2013, and the makeup of their backfield suggests they are not likely to break that streak next fall. But Swift and Williams can be effective in tandem, and the Lions got good play out of backups Craig Reynolds, Jermar Jefferson and Godwin Igwebuike in limited use last season.
It’s possible the Lions add a veteran running back for insurance, in case something happens to Swift or Williams, or bring a young rookie in for competition. But after signing fullback Jason Cabinda to an extension in February, there’s no reason to think the Lions will make any significant moves at the position this offseason.
Free agent RB report
On the Lions’ roster for 2022: D’Andre Swift, Jamaal Williams, Jermar Jefferson, Craig Reynolds, Jason Cabinda.
Pending Lions free agents: Godwin Igwebuike (ERFA/tendered).
Top free agents: Cordarrelle Patterson, Atlanta Falcons; Leonard Fournette, Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Rashaad Penny, Seattle Seahawks.
Others who may interest Lions: Latavius Murray, Baltimore Ravens.
Market watch: Just seven players topped 1,000 yards rushing last season, the fewest since 2015, as the running back position continues to evolve in the NFL. Most teams employ a timeshare in their backfield now, and smart teams are reluctant to invest much in the position in free agency. This year’s free agent crop won’t change that, as a host of older backs and role-specific players are set to hit the market.
Patterson, one of the NFL’s best kick returners, is the best of the bunch though he’s not built to handle 200-plus carries. Fournette could be on the move as the Buccaneers reset their franchise after Tom Brady’s retirement, and Penny played well late last season but comes with a host of injury concerns. Several other backs who can contribute in part-time roles, including the Arizona duo of James Conner and Chase Edmonds, should find homes at reasonable prices.
Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.