Detroit Lions: 4 Free Agent Running Backs to Target this Offseason
By Bob Heyrman
It’s apparent the Detroit Lions need to focus on their rushing attack, or lack thereof, this offseason. Here are four free agents to target.
Kerryon Johnson entered the NFL out of the University of Auburn with a history of being injured. His injury history goes back to his high school days, but he’s so talented the risk is worth the reward. The issue is, the Detroit Lions currently don’t have a good backup running back.
Kerryon Johnson was only able to play in ten games last year for the Detroit Lions in his rookie season. This year he only lasted 6 games before being placed on IR-R. Last season he only lasted 10 games. He’s eligible to return for the final two weeks of the season.
Kerryon Johnson is only 22 years old, much too young to give up on completely, but it’s evident the Detroit Lions need to address this Spring. They need to bring in an established runner to split carries with Johnson.
Detroit drafted rookie Ty Johnson, but he’s struggled to get anything going with his limited carries. Kerryon was averaging just 3.3 yards per tote, way down from last season’s 5.4 yards per rush. Ty Johnson is averaging 3.5 yards per carry on his 44 touches this year. J.D. McKissic is serving as the teams’ lead back with Kerryon sidelined, and he’s having some success running for 5.9 yards a touch on a small sample-sized 30 rushes.
The Detroit Lions have tried Paul Perkins, along with Tra Carson, but none of those names should grab your attention. Here are a few options that should.