It didn't take long for the Detroit Lions to regret making a run at Isiah Pacheco. The former Kansas City Chiefs standout has struggled with multiple injuries in recent years, and once again, he's on the shelf with an ailment.
The former Super Bowl champion will begin the season on Injured Reserve (IR), meaning he'll miss at least the first month of the regular season. That puts a ton of weight on Jahmyr Gibbs' shoulders, though he's more than capable of holding down the fort.
But with an underwhelming set of backups behind him, the Lions may have to find help elsewhere. Fortunately for them, there are still some options available in free agency, so let's talk about the three best options they should target right now.
3 veteran running backs the Lions should try to sign
D'Ernest Johnson
D'Ernest Johnson is the perfect Isiah Pacheco impersonator. He plays aggressively, with a low pad level, and won't shy away from contact. He's the type of guy who won't hesitate to run through his defenders, even if that means taking a beating.
However, unlike Pacheco, Johnson shows more patience and better instincts. He has solid vision for finding gaps in the first level of the defense, and he can also help with pass protection and has reliable hands as a pass-catcher.
Of course, he's not a superstar by any means, but he can be a solid placeholder for Drew Petzing's offense. He can also contribute to special teams and would be an obvious upgrade over the ever-struggling Sione Vaki.
Raheem Mostert
Raheem Mostert's best years are clearly far behind him. He was mostly a healthy scratch for Pete Carroll's Las Vegas Raiders last season, and this will most likely be his final shot at signing another contract.
That said, Mostert was efficient behind a shaky offensive line last season, turning just 22 carries into 104 rushing yards. He's explosive and still one of the fastest guys in the game, giving this team a change-of-pace guy who can be a big downfield threat when he finds some space.
The Lions already have a big-play running back in Gibbs, but Mostert can give them even more speed in third-down situations, making the most of the defense's tired legs to turn the corner. He'd be a cheap short-term solution.
Miles Sanders
Miles Sanders is coming off a season-ending injury, and the fact that he went unsigned after a workout with the Raiders might be a bit of a concern. However, he's got extensive experience and has even been a lead back in this league.
The Lions don't need him to do any heavy lifting. With Gibbs handling the bulk of the workload, Sanders can be their short-yardage/goal-line specialist. He's always been more of an explosive guy rather than a bruiser, but he might be better suited for this role at this point in his career.
Sanders is also a reliable and proven threat in the passing game. Even if he may have lost a step over time and due to injuries, his twitchiness and steady hands can give this team a dynamic, dual-threat back while Pacheco works his way back to the field.
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