Detroit Lions: 5 free agents to replace Kerryon Johnson

CHARLOTTE, NC - AUGUST 24: Jeremy Hill #33 of the New England Patriots runs the ball against Luke Kuechly #59 of the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on August 24, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

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Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images /

Thomas Rawls – Free Agent

This one is simply about connecting dots with offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell. This offseason, Bevell hasn’t been shy about adding players to the roster that have played for him before like wide receiver Jermaine Kearse and running back J.D. McKissic.

Thomas Rawls was an undrafted free agent running back signed by Bevell and the Seattle Seahawks back in 2015. He’d go on to start seven games as a rookie, posting 830 yards and four touchdowns on the ground while averaging 5.6 yards per rushing attempt.

Unfortunately, a fractured ankle would cut Rawls’ rookie campaign short. Then he fractured his fibula the following year and didn’t appear to be the same player afterward.

Last year, Rawls spent just 20 days with the Cincinnati Bengals before being released. He dressed for one game but did not take a snap. If he can prove to Bevell he’s worth the risk, at only 26-years old, perhaps he has enough left in the tank for another run.

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