The Detroit Lions' running back situation may have officially reached desperation status. Bringing in Kareem Hunt for a workout in big 2026, months after signing his Kansas City Chiefs sidekick, speaks volumes about how bad things are in Michigan.
So, instead of trying to duplicate the RB room that ran for the eighth-fewest yards in the league last season, perhaps they should look for upgrades elsewhere. And with roster-cut day looming, there will certainly be plenty of options to consider.
Perhaps they can even try to steal a divisional rival, poaching Roschon Johnson from Ben Johnson's Chicago Bears. He's still fighting for the RB3 spot in Chicago, but he might even be able to climb to RB2 in Detroit.
Roschon Johnson can solve the Lions' RB depth issues
The mere fact that the Lions worked out Kareem Hunt suggests that Isiah Pacheco's injury is more serious than they've made it seem. Sione Vaki is a non-factor, and they might remain unsettled at the position, even after Jacob Saylors' strong preseason.
Pacheco is almost a lock to make the roster, but he's struggled with injuries in recent years. Durability should remain a concern, and that's where a hard-fighting guy like Johnson might even carve himself a spot as Jahmyr Gibbs' primary backup.
Johnson is fighting with Salvon Ahmed for the RB3 spot behind D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai, so the Bears might rather get something in return for him instead of just cutting him. It might not be hard to convince them to send him to a divisional rival.
He's a true bruiser, someone who can excel in short-yardage situations and do some damage between the tackles. That skill set bodes perfectly next to the speedy and much more explosive Jahmyr Gibbs.
He's also a strong pass protector who won't hesitate to put his body on the line and do all the dirty work that doesn't always show up on the stat sheet. The Lions are obviously all set with one of the most explosive ball-carriers in football, but this is a physical game, and teams are always one injury away from catastrophe.
Even if Pacheco can stay healthy throughout the season, which is a big 'if,' this team can do much better with his backup. Johnson can also offer value on special teams, making Sione Vaki even more expendable after an overwhelming offseason.
And given his familiarity with Ben Johnson's running game and blocking schemes, he might be a rather seamless fit as a plug-and-play guy for new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.
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