Free Agent Running Back Options For The Detroit Lions
By Tony Fischer
Jan 11, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) runs past Green Bay Packers free safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (21) in the fourth quarter in the 2014 NFC Divisional playoff football game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Big Money
DeMarco Murray
It really hard to say anything bad about DeMarco Murray after the season he had. Murray was the backbone of the Cowboys offense racking up 2,261 total yards while scoring 13 touchdowns and catching 57 passes. He also played behind arguably the best offensive line in football. How much of Murray’s production was because of the line he played behind? Will all the carries in 2014 comeback to haunt Murray next season?
No matter how you answer those questions one thing is certain, Murray is gonna get paid and it might be more than the Lions could afford.
Mark Ingram
If the Detroit Lions are gonna shell some money out for a running back they may as well sign one that already knows the offense. Joe Lombardi spent much of last season installing the Saints offense. Getting the running back the Saints drafted to fit that system just makes sense.
The Lions already have a north south runner in Joique Bell but in todays NFL every team needs a couple of backs. Ingram would fit nicely in the backfield rotation.
The New Orleans running back is coming off a probowl season in 2014 when he posted 1,109 total yards while scoring nine touchdowns. The New Orleans Saints are likely to make Ingram a top priority this offseason which will drive the price up. He won’t get Murray money but he will be pricey but is could be worth it.
Justin Forsett
Forsett cot a chance to chine this season after the suspension of Ray rice. He made the most of his time as a starter rushing for 1,266 yards and averaging 5.7 per carry. That is the kind of production Lions fans have only seen on Sports Center highlights. It is also just what the Lions need.
Justin Forsett played under Jim Caldwell and that could make Detroit a front-runner. In a free agent market starved for quality running backs, Forsett could com and a big salary although likely more affordable than Demarco Murray.