Detroit Lions: 3 players who could be surprise cuts come September
Theo Riddick, Running Back
Theo Riddick‘s situation is almost the complete opposite of Killebrew: he has a well-defined role in the Lions offense and is an established veteran who has consistently proven his value.
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The only caveat is the Lions offense is evolving. This offseason has featured an emphasis on creating a hard-nosed, between the tackles running style, which is anything but Riddick’s style.
With the biggest decision makers in the organization in Matt Patricia and Bob Quinn hailing from the New England Patriots, the Lions are expected to mimic New England’s running-back-by-committee style of offense this season, and thus each running back role will only see so many snaps.
That is where Riddick finds himself as the odd man out. Running back Ameer Abdullah is in the final year of his rookie contract and offers much of the same backfield services Riddick does at roughly a quarter of the price.
With a crowded backfield and only so many snaps to go around, the Lions may opt to take the cheaper route and try to get the most out of Abdullah’s discounted services.
For more on the competition in the Lions backfield, check out my earlier piece taking a look at the Lions’ crowded backfield and who may find themselves on the outside looking in come August.