The free agent negotiating period opens March 13 and the Detroit Lions have holes to fill on both sides of the ball. Here is the second in a series of position-by-position breakdowns on the top players available in free agency and what the Lions might do at each position.
Part I: Quarterbacks
Running back
General manager Bob Quinn has made it crystal clear that he plans to add a running back (or two) to the Lions’ roster this offseason. What’s less clear is exactly how he’ll go about it. This is a deep draft at running back, and odds are good that the Lions will fortify the position with a rookie. They don’t appear to be players for the top free-agent running backs, but that doesn’t mean they won’t sign someone in an effort to improve the room. Zach Zenner could return as a restricted free agent, though not on a tender offer, while the futures of Tion Green and Dwayne Washington are less certain. Given the number of quality running backs coming out of college this year, prices could be depressed for veterans hitting the market. The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to use the franchise tag on Le’Veon Bell, but there are a number of other quality backs available including several with New England Patriots ties, Dion Lewis, Rex Burkhead and LeGarrette Blount.
On the Lions’ roster: Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick, Tion Green, Dwayne Washington
Pending free agents: Zach Zenner (RFA), Mike James
Top free agents
Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers — Bell might be the best running back in the NFL. He’s topped 1,200 yards rushing in three of the last four seasons, and had at least 75 catches in each of those years. The Steelers have until Tuesday to slap the franchise tag on Bell, and it’s hard to envision them letting him test the open market. He wants a boatload of money, so a long-term deal might not get done. But at least for 2018, he’s worth the price.
Isaiah Crowell, Cleveland Browns — Crowell won’t get anywhere close to Bell money, but his youth (he just turned 25), dependability (he’s never missed an NFL game) and production on a bad team (4.2 ypc for his career) make him the No. 2 back on the market. Crowell had a modest season last year, and he hasn’t been used much as a receiver. He’s not going to transform a franchise, but he’s also a better back than most people realize.
Dion Lewis, New England Patriots — After an injury-riddled start to his career, Lewis had a breakout season last year with more than 1,100 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns. He’s always been a cog in a backfield by committee, and that won’t change with his new team. But he also adds value as a kick returner. Lewis’ injury history will scare off some teams and keep his price down, but if Lions coach Matt Patricia wants a familiar face to add to the room, Lewis would make for a sensible target.
Three more to watch: Carlos Hyde, San Francisco 49ers; Rex Burkhead, New Orleans Saints; Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
One wildcard
Mike Davis, Seattle Seahawks — Who? Only the most ardent fantasy football players know who Davis is, but after two years of sitting behind Hyde in San Francisco, Davis finally got a chance to be a starting running back late last season in Seattle. He had a couple decent games and a couple quiet ones, and he’s versatile enough to play on any down. Davis is a restricted free agent, so the Seahawks could tender him a contract. If they don’t, Davis could generate some sneaky interest, including from a team like the Lions.
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USC running back Ronald Jones, a projected 2nd-round pick in April's NFL draft, plays word association game with Free Press sports writer Dave Birkett during Super Bowl LII week in Minnesota. Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press