The Detroit Lions have made some solid moves to reshape their roster this offseason, and with the draft firmly in the rearview mirror, it's a good time to think about everything the team has done.
While some moves have been headline grabbers such as drafting Blake Miller with the No. 17 overall pick and trading David Montgomery away, others have flown a bit under the radar, and may have been forgotten by fans.
Adding Isiah Pacheco to the Detroit backfield may not have been an exciting move on the surface, but it could pay dividends very fast for the roster. When taking a step back and analyzing the offseason, the addition of the Kansas City Chiefs star could loom larger than many assume.
ESPN's NFL Nation took a look at breaking down every offseason move in the NFC North, and Detroit had some interesting conclusions drawn. Namely, they believe that adding Pacheco is the most underrated move the team made this offseason.
"He is hopeful that the move to Detroit will also spark a new beginning for a career that has gotten off track. Last season, he finished with a disappointing 462 rushing yards and two total touchdowns in 13 games but appears to be motivated by the new situation."
"Holmes was focused on adding players this offseason, such as Pacheco, to reestablish Detroit's blue-collar identity because "the urgency needed to be more pushed up on everything" after missing the postseason, he said during the NFL draft."
After tasting success in Kansas City and being cast aside, there may be nobody more hungry than Pacheco to atone for the frustration of last season. Behind a rebuilt offensive line and featuring a new run-friendly attack from offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, it could prove to be a big rebound season for Pacheco.
While many might be overlooking him now, there's a case to be made that the Lions will see a huge return on investment from landing Pacheco in 2026.
Pacheco has taken a selfless attitude after signing with Lions in March
If Pacheco is going to be one of the most underrated signings this year, he will have to show up willing to work and prove it. Many around the league have viewed him as damaged goods thanks to his injury history and the Chiefs deciding to let him walk away.
In spite of that, Pacheco still has plenty to offer, and especially a team like Detroit. While Pacheco has tasted Super Bowl success, the majority of the Lions have not. With that in mind, his abilities as a power running mate for Gibbs could loom large in Detroit's reshaped offensive attack along with his positive attitude after joining the team.
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"Me looking outside in, it's just a hell of a group. And whatever I can do to contribute to the team, it's going to happen. Whether it's punting the ball, wherever's (it's) at, doesn't matter where I'm at on the field. (If it's) cheering the guys on, bringing excitement to the team and bringing the leadership accountability. (I'm a) two-time champion. Not satisfied though. That's something that I'm not satisfied with. I'm more hungry than ever and I'm ready to get to work."
Pacheco is not likely to be asked to punt the ball this season, but the broader point is significant to the Lions because it shows what he prepared to do in order to help Detroit reach their goals. He talks like a player that will fit perfectly with the franchise and their hard-charging, team-first mindset.
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