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

1. Zonovan Knight

The Jets signing Dalvin Cook sealed Knight's fate, and it came to fruition when he was waived on Tuesday. He didn't have much of role early last year as an undrafted rookie, as in he did not even play until Week 12. But Breece Hall's torn ACL eventually gave him an opportunity, and he took advantage immediately.

Knight ran for at least 69 yards in each of his first three games last season (230 total rushing yards; 5.0 yards per carry), along with 10 reception over that span. Then the Lions shut him down in Week 15 (13 carries for 23 yards), and things were never the same from there. He finished with 300 yards on 85 carries over his seven games, along with 13 receptions for 100 yards.

With a hat-tip to Russell Brown of Lions Wire, Knight forced a missed tackle on 34 percent of his carries last season (No. 1 in the NFL). He has juice as a runner, and he showed himself as a capable pass catcher in a moribund Jets' offense last year.

The Lions were not beaten out in the waiver claim process with Knight, and no team submitted a claim on him. So he is free to sign anywhere, and the Lions should be in line to do so.

Update: The Lions have signed Knight to their practice squad.