The Detroit Lions could choose to move on from 32-year old running back LeGarrette Blount this offseason. Here are three powerful replacements.
After averaging a career-low 2.7 yards per carry in his first season with the Detroit Lions, 32-year old veteran running back LeGarrette Blount is once again scheduled to be a free agent in March. And it seems likely Blount has played his final game in Motown.
With young budding superstar running back Kerryon Johnson in the fold, Detroit will undoubtedly look for another back to pair him with. That player could very well be veteran Zach Zenner, who shined at the end of last season and is also a pending free agent.
But if the Lions prefer to find a more powerful back to replace Blount alongside the shifty Johnson, here are three veterans they could target in free agency.
C.J. Anderson, Los Angeles Rams
Anderson imposed his will against the Dallas Cowboys in the divisional round of the playoffs. With the ghost of Jerome Bettis in an old St. Louis Rams showing him the way, Anderson gashed the Cowboys’ defense for 123 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries. Although he’s listed at 5-foot-8, 225 pounds, the former Denver Bronco looks to be closer to around the 250-pound mark currently.
Anderson’s performances through the playoffs have put the former undrafted free agent out of California back on the relevancy radar. Following his team’s Super Bowl appearance, the 27-year old figures to get plenty of offers as a free agent. And Detroit could be one of his suitors.
Rod Smith, Dallas Cowboys
Speaking of the Cowboys, the primary backup to running back Ezekiel Elliott is scheduled to hit the open market in March. The older brother of linebacker Jaylon Smith and former fullback, Rod Smith, is a powerful runner that showed real signs of potential in 2017.
Two years ago, the 6-foot-3, 235-pound Smith rushed for 232 yards and four touchdowns while averaging an impressive 4.2 yards per carry. He had a down season last year, which could make him a real steal in free agency for the Lions.
Rob Kelley, Washington Redskins
When it comes to powerful runners, Washington’s Rob Kelley a.k.a. “Fat Rob” is an absolute beast. The 6-foot, 229-pound running back exploded for 704 rushing yards and six touchdowns as an undrafted rookie out of Tulane back in 2016. But ever since his first season, Kelley has struggled to find a consistent role in Washington.
A pure downhill runner, Kelley can punish defenders between the tackles and move the chains on short-yardage plays. He’d be a nice counter-punch with a more electric runner like Kerryon Johnson in Motown.