When the Detroit Lions moved on from David Montgomery, it seemed that Sione Vaki would finally be able to get on the field often for Dan Campbell's team. With OTAs and minicamp in the rearview mirror, that might not be the case after all.
The Lions signed former Kansas City Chiefs star Isiah Pacheco to be Jahmyr Gibbs' backup. Pacheco might not be at his best anymore, so there could still be an opening there, but the mere fact that they signed him speaks volumes about their feeling about Vaki.
Moreover, the Lions also signed Greg Dortch, who can provide special teams value. That makes the former fourth-round pick a clear-cut candidate ahead of training camp. Even if he makes it to July, he won't be a part of the team's 53-man roster.
Sione Vaki's days with the Detroit Lions might be numbered
The Lions will make Jahmyr Gibbs the highest-paid running back in football. As such, they will also make him a workhorse. He was used to splitting carries with Montgomery, but the Lions gave him a longer leash last season.
Gibbs is also a solid pass catcher, so he can be a true four-down back if he can withstand that kind of wear and tear. Then, he'll have Pacheco as a power back in goal-line and short-yardage situations to keep the bruising to a minimum.
The Lions also have Jacob Saylors as the RB4, but like Dortch, he gives this team value on special teams, so Vaki might not even see the field for those duties. He'd still have to fight both of them and Tom Kennedy for kick and punt-returning duties, so there's really not that much room for him.
The Lions are entering a crucial campaign, and there's no margin for error at Ford Field. As such, they can't afford to get sentimental or make emotional decisions. Vaki has been with the team since they took him out of Utah in 2024, but clearly, he hasn't panned out.
New offensive coordinator Drew Petzing will put as much weight on Gibbs' legs as he can handle, and with only so many roster spots available, the Lions will have to prioritize keeping someone who can contribute to multiple aspects of the game.
Vaki might still stay with the team in the practice squad, but other than that, it would be pretty hard to justify keeping him around for much longer.
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