Detroit Lions: 5 Burning Free Agency Questions
Jan 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Lions running back
Reggie Bush(21) celebrates his touchdown run in the first quarter past Dallas Cowboys strong safety
Barry Church(42) and
Anthony Hitchens(59) in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
What’s next for the run game?
Reggie Bush won’t be celebrating like he is in the picture above in a Detroit Lions uniform any time soon. He was released at the end of February. So what’s next?
None of the $17.01 million in cap space will be going to Suh. We now know that much. But how much of it will be going to a running back?
There’s two ways the Lions can go. They can take the more expensive route and pay a veteran in free agency, or they can take their chances in the draft but get a much cheaper deal out of it.
Let’s look at both.
The standout back in free agency is Dallas Cowboys’ DeMarco Murray. Murray is coming off the back of a career-best season, rushing 392 times for 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns. He ranked first in the NFL for running backs and it wasn’t even close. In second-place was Pittsburgh’s Le’Veon Bell, who rushed for 1,361 yards. Murray finished with the 17th-highest rushing yardage total in NFL history.
The concern for Murray is his health. 2014 was the first time that he has featured in all 16 games of the season. Dallas pounded the rock with Murray 392 times last year; more than anybody else in the NFL. LeSean McCoy was his nearest rival in carries with 312.
Jan 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Lions running back
Joique Bell(35) carries the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
How much would have that taken out of him? Will it affect his longevity in the NFL?
That remains unclear, and maybe the Lions would be wise to stay clear of Murray. Teams look to sign free agents on what they can offer in the future, not what they’ve done in the past.
Justin Forsett and Shane Vereen would be nice fits in Detroit, although they too are likely to have a number of offers on the table.
The Lions’ best bet could be in the draft. This year features a number of talented running backs. With the 23rd-overall selection, the Lions could find themselves with the pick of the bunch. Georgia’s Todd Gurley has been likened to Marshawn Lynch, and he would certainly be a good option for them in the first-round. Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon is poised to be a star in the NFL also.
Later on, the Lions could bring in a hot prospect like Jay Ajayi or Duke Johnson. As late as the fourth-round they could possibly land Minnesota’s David Cobb, and he too has the makings of a solid NFL player.
Fortunately for the Lions, they have options in the draft to find a replacement for Reggie Bush. Whether they can avoid the temptation of making a splash in free agency… only time will tell.
Next: The offensive struggles need to end