The Detroit Lions might be addicted to bringing in free agent running back talent, even as they deal with depth woes at other positions of need.
On Tuesday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that former Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt had visited with the team. This makes for the second running back in as many days that's been connected to the team, either through a signing or a visit. Roydell Williams signed with the Lions on Monday after Raheem Blackshear landed on the IR.
With so many running back options coming in and out of the Lions' door, you can't help but begin to question their motives. Jahmyr Gibbs is obviously not the issue here, but could Isiah Pacheco be?
The former Chiefs running back has been out of training camp with a sprained MCL, so the team hasn't been able to get a good read on his potential with this offense just yet. Jacob Saylors has been really solid throughout the preseason as a returner and running back, but is Detroit not convinced of his potential, either? Or, is Pacheco just more injured than we know?
Lions' visit with Hunt is another sign that RB room is thin
Detroit needs to locate a proper RB2 behind Gibbs ahead of this season. With Pacheco out, it stands to reason that that competition is still propped open - even to Saylors, a former UFL star turned return specialist for the Lions. But, between their signing of Williams now this visit with Hunt, it feels like Saylors isn't been fully trusted to back up either Gibbs or Pacheco.
Hunt finished up his 2025 season with 611 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, but only averaged 3.7 yards per carry. He has been a decent receiving target in the past, but let's put a heavy emphasis on past. The 31 year old doesn't appear to be turning back the clock to his Cleveland Browns days anytime soon.
READ MORE: Struggling Lions veteran seems ready to seize an opportunity for Lions Week 1
This would be the second former Chiefs running back that Detroit is investing in, if they were to sign Hunt, that is coming off a less than inspiring 2025 campaign. Is faith really that low in Saylors that they feel the need to bring him in? Or, is Hunt just someone to potentially have on the field in heavy snaps for their final preseason game, only to be cut?
It's just an interesting strategy on the surface for the Lions, especially as the team still has question marks in their secondary. Unless Pacheco is expected out for more time than being let on, this move wouldn't make a ton of sense.
Add us as a preferred source on Google