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Will the Detroit Lions add a running back? Absolutely!

By Steven Mullenax

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 27: Outside linebacker Terrell Suggs #55 of the Baltimore Ravens tackles running back Ameer Abdullah #21 of the Detroit Lions during the first half in their preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 27, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 27: Outside linebacker Terrell Suggs #55 of the Baltimore Ravens tackles running back Ameer Abdullah #21 of the Detroit Lions during the first half in their preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 27, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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The Detroit Lions are all but guaranteed to bring in new blood to revive the worst rushing offense in the NFL from last season.

All the focus surrounding the Detroit Lions organization right now is on whom the team will choose to become their next head coach. But a more accurate statement might be the Lions are waiting to see if the candidate they want is willing to choose them in return.

Once Detroit lands a head coach, the Lions focus will shift to free agency and the upcoming NFL draft. And their top weakness to address? Their lackluster rushing attack, which was ranked the worst in the league last season, racking up just 76.3 yards per game on the ground in 2017.

Although a new head coach will bring a new offensively philosophy, there’s a strong belief that offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter will retain his role through the transition. If that’s true, whomever is at the helm is going to have to strong arm Cooter pass-first offense into a more balanced attack. And that starts with adding the right players to the roster.

Currently on the roster at running back in the Motor City are Theo Riddick, Ameer Abdullah, Tion Green and Dwayne Washington. Zach Zenner is a restricted free agent, while Mike James is an unrestricted free agent.

Riddick still has tremendous value as a third down back and he’s an excellent receiving option out of the backfield. Green had a solid rookie season and flashed enough potential to earn himself another season in Detroit.

A former second round selection, Abdullah likely has more value as a possible trade asset than a starter at this point. He proved this season he is nothing better than a change of pace back in this system. And that Abdullah and Riddick essentially play the same role, only the latter is much better at it. Washington, Zenner and James are all interchangeable. And likely should all be replaced next season with younger, faster options.

And that brings us to the 2018 offseason for the Lions. They need new blood at the running back position to revive a lackluster rushing attack. And Detroit general manager Bob Quinn has all but guaranteed changes are on the way.

"“I think our running backs, you know, they didn’t perform as good as everyone thought,” Quinn told the team’s official website after the season. “But I think we have guys in that room that are tough guys, they’re smart guys, they have skill. Will we add someone probably to that room? Absolutely. But that’s how the NFL really rolls. Every year there’s about 30 percent turnover on teams, so you’re never going to have the same team year-to-year.”"

Next: Detroit Lions 2018 draft must focus on defensive line

Detroit Lions fans, rejoice! The front office has finally seen the light. After spending the past couple of seasons hoping the diminutive Ameer Abdullah was the second coming of Barry Sanders, it finally appears the Lions will actually go after some quality running backs this offseason, after refusing to do so previously. Maybe there is hope for 2018 after all.

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