3 running backs the Detroit Lions could sign after roster cuts and waivers

2. DeWayne McBride

McBride was somewhat surprisingly waived by the Minnesota Vikings, who have a clear question mark behind Alexander Mattison on their own running back depth chart. They were probably crossing their fingers he'd clear waivers and they can get him back. And indeed, no one put in a claim on him by Wednesday's deadline. So he's now an unrestricted free agent.


A seventh-round pick by the Vikings in April, McBride had a very productive college career at UAB. Last season, he was second in the FBS in rushing yards (1,713; 7.4 yards per carry) with 19 touchdowns. In 2021, he ran for 1,371 yards and 13 touchdowns. Conference USA doesn't offer the highest level of competition, but production is production and McBride's over his last two college seasons is hard to ignore sheerly with a "low level of competition" argument and nothing else. He also ran for 183 yards against BYU in a bowl game.


McBride is fast, and fairly stout (5-foot-11, 215 pounds). He may have been on the Lions' radar during the pre-draft process as a late-round option to fortify their running back depth chart. Couple that with an opportunity to trump a division rival's possible plan by signing him, and there's a potential fit.