Detroit Lions: Building depth at running back an offseason priority
Detroit Lions free agent targets
Using the Spotrac website, we can see who some potential free agents may be going into 2019. While some big names like Adrian Peterson are there, the Lions could really use another back who can perform in all three phases, running, receiving, and blocking.
Tevin Coleman is a name that is likely to attract a bunch of attention. Coleman has been the backup in Atlanta for four years to Devonta Freeman. The speedy former Hoosier can do everything, although his health has always been a question mark.
His 29 games played over the past two years alleviates some of that concern, though.
More from SideLion Report
- Top 5 revenge games on the Detroit Lions 2023 schedule
- Lions center Frank Ragnow optimistic about continuing to play through toe injury
- Detroit Lions 2023 preseason schedule: Dates, times and opponents
- A new contract extension projection for Lions quarterback Jared Goff
- 4 wide receivers the Detroit Lions could still look to acquire this offseason
Mark Ingram, the New Orleans Saints leading rusher just two years ago, we have heard bounced around by many Lions fans in social media circles. Ingram is older, 28, but hasn’t ever surpassed 230 carries in a season. He is a power runner but is a capable 3-down guy.
Depending on his contract demands, he currently makes about $5.3 million per season, he could split time with Kerryon Johnson to form an impressive backfield.
T.J. Yeldon is another younger option who might find quite a few suitors. Yeldon, the former Roll Tide back and current Jaguar, currently makes $1.8 million but is due to cash in for his second go-around.
Yeldon has played more extensively this year with starter Leonard Fournette missing a large chunk of 2018. He has over 900 yards from scrimmage as both a runner and receiver.
There are a host of other players who could beef up the Lions backfield when LeGarrette Blount likely moves on this offseason. Doug Martin, Jay Ajayi, and Le’Veon Bell are a few players to look out for if the Lions choose to sign a backup free agent instead of drafting depth.
Le’Veon Bell, a former Michigan State product, has also been the subject of much speculation. Bell is a top-five runner when healthy but has been engaged in a hold out for the entire 2018 season; according to Reuters, he reportedly turned down both $47 and $70 million dollar offers through the fall because he did not feel he would receive enough guaranteed money from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Bell, the soon-to-be 27-year-old, is looking to cash in much the same way as other recently signed superstar running backs, Todd Gurley and David Johnson. Both men have large amounts of guaranteed money ranging from $32 million-$45 million. Reuters indicated that Bell’s guaranteed money would’ve topped out at $20 million.
Le’Veon has also had a history of suspensions due to infractions of the NFL’s substance abuse policy. His first two suspensions in 2015 and 2016 both forced him to miss minimal games, two and three games, respectively. However, his next violation would be for four games and any subsequent violation, ten games out.