Detroit Lions opting for more of the same at running back, re-sign Zach Zenner

Change is coming to the Detroit Lions’ running backs group but it is slow to develop, especially with the Lions opting to bring back Zach Zenner.

The Detroit Lions have finally signed a running back but it turns out the new guy is the same as the old guy. The Lions announced this morning that Zach Zenner has signed a new deal.

It’s understandable if fans are feeling the frustrated with what the Lions are doing at running back after Bob Quinn promised changed. So far it has been a lot of the same but that doesn’t mean everything will look the same by the time the Lions actually have to play a game.

The Lions opted not to tender to offer to make Zenner as a restricted free agent, setting him free on the market. That would have meant a one-year, $1.9 million deal for Zenner or the Lions would have the right to match any offer Zenner received from another team. Because Zenner was an undrafted free agent, there would be no compensation due if the Lions chose to let him sign elsewhere had they made the tender.

But since the Lions didn’t make the tender we can be sure Zenner’s return is at a lower cost and offers him little in the way of roster assurances. He does have a versatile skill set that makes him worthy of a spot deep on the depth chart but he shouldn’t be called upon to provide a spark to the offense. The Lions will surely look elsewhere to find someone who will play more meaningful snaps. He can, however, be trusted in pass protection and offers value on special teams. Those things are valuable to Quinn so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that he would look to retain Zenner.

It’s also important to keep in mind that free agency is far from a finish line. It’s quite clear the Lions are not looking to the free agent market to bring in someone new who will get significant touches. That will likely come through the draft.

The Lions have brought in DeMarco Murray and Frank Gore for visits already and are scheduled to meet with LeGarrette Blount and Mike Davis as they continue to look for a low-cost veteran who may only have a year or two left.

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For now, more patience is required with the Lions’ running back picture. If the 2018 NFL Draft comes and goes without meaningful change, then it will be time to worry.