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3 bold moves to put the Detroit Lions in the Super Bowl next season

By Brad Berreman

Dec 4, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) warms up prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) warms up prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Credit: Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
Credit: Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) /

Move No. 2: Sign Tony Pollard

Jamaal Williams is a free agent, as is No. 3 running back Justin Jackson, and D’Andre Swift is heading toward the final year of his rookie contract in 2023. Re-signing Williams feels like a no-brainer, while trading Swift at a relative low-point in his value (unless his solid finish can be upsold) feels like it wouldn’t be ideal.

Unless an upgrade can be had. Enter Pollard.

People clamoring for the Cowboys to give Pollard more touches got to see it this season. He topped 1,000 yards rushing yards (1,007), while averaging 5.2 yards per carry with nine touchdowns on the ground over 193 carries. He added 39 receptions for 371 yards (9.5 yards per catch), with three more scores through the air.

Among 38 running backs who had 150 or more touches this season, Pollard had the top yards per-touch average (5.9)

Pollard is a big play waiting to happen. Pro Football Focus credited him with 31 explosive rushes (sixth-best in the league) and 15 explosive receptions (in the top-15 of the league) this season. That did come with a negative play once in awhile (a 9.3 percent stuff rate, per PFF; 20th-highest among 67 backs with at least 50 carries), for those who want to pick nits.

Rather than run it back with Williams as the short yardage and goal line “Thunder” to Swift’s occasionally fully healthy “Lightning”, why not sign Pollard and have an explosive back who’s ready to be an unquestioned lead guy?

If the price is right, even at more expensive than it’s going to be to just keep Williams, Pollard would look awfully good in Honolulu Blue.

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