Free Agent Running Back Options For The Detroit Lions

Nov 3, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) runs for a few yards against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Indianapolis Colts defeat the New York Giants 40-24. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

Big Risk

Ahmad Bradshaw

Bradshaw was a major part of the colts offense this season until a broken leg ended his season in week 11. Concerns about Bradshaw’s injury issues should be enough to rule him out for the Detroit Lions but Bradshaw is so talented he might be worth a look anyway.

Bradshaw is explosive.  He averages 4.6 yards per carry over his career and has the ability to take it to the house when he is on the field.  Bradshaw is talented but he is not a work horse. Good thing is Detroit doesn’t need a workhorse, Joique Bell can fill that role.  The Lions may be able to take advantage of Bradshaw’s talent by limiting the frequency of his touches and giving him more rest.

Darren McFadden

Darren McFadden came into the league with the expectation of being a game changing multi-purpose.  He showed flashes of that but never really rose the level of expectation thrust upon him. I see McFadden as having the same issue as Ahmad Bradshaw.  If asked to be the primary back you may have durability issues.  But if used in a limited role (in passing situations) McFadden could have success on plays design to get him the ball in the open field.

Again injuries are a big risk for McFadden but he the Lions may be able to take advantage of his skills if used correctly.

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