Addition of the experienced Benny Snell a smart move for Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions announced a surprise on Thursday, with news running back Justin Jackson would be retiring. In the corresponding move, they signed an intriguing replacement option in Benny Snell.

Jackson was a productive kickoff returner for the Lions last year, and he produced well when he got offensive touches. When he was re-signed before training camp, it seemed he was lined up for a similar role this year.

With Jackson's exit, however, comes a fresh opportunity for Snell. The 2019 fourth-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers wasn't re-signed by them this offseason.

Just 25 years old, Snell had a significantly reduced role in the Steelers' offense over the last two seasons in line with the arrival of Najee Harris. But he was fairly productive when he got more significant offensive touches in his first two seasons, and he shifted to predominantly a special teams role over the last two. He has averaged 3.6 yards per carry in his career.

While the opportunity to move up the depth chart at running back in the wake of Jackson's retirement could seem easiest for Craig Reynolds, Jermar Jefferson or Mohamed Ibrahim, Snell brings with him a tangible advantage of experience (63 NFL games).

Outside of David Montgomery and Snell, the rest of running back group on the Lions' current roster has played a total of 51 NFL games.

Experience such as Snell's isn't easy to find in the middle of training camp.

Benny Snell is an interesting addition to the Lions running back mix

After signing with the Lions, Snell didn't wait long to make his intentions known and announce the move personally.

Snell feels like a legit candidate to come in and take the No. 3 running back spot for the Lions, moreso than fellow recent signing Devine Ozigbo. The opportunity is certainly there, perhaps starting rigth away in Friday night's preseason opener.