Detroit Lions: 8 Players who could be gone in 2019
By Zac Snyder
LeGarrette Blount
The Lions’ plan to add one running back in the draft and one in free agency has half worked. Kerryon Johnson was quickly a key piece on offense before hurting his knee and looks like a building-block for the future. The free agent signing of LeGarrette Blount has been less of a boon.
It seemed like a good idea at the outset. Blount brought the Lions a good short-yardage option they lacked and his familiarity with the former Patriots faction of the Lions organization made him seem like an even better fit as the culture shift continues.
The Lions’ rushing attack has seen a boost this season but it has been in spite of, not because of, Blount.
It’s staggering how less productive Blount has been behind the same offensive line compared to the other running backs on the Lions roster. Blount has averaged just 2.8 yards per carry through the team’s first 14 games, far below Johnson’s 5.4 yards per carry as well as Zach Zenner at 4.9 yards per carry and Theo Riddick at 4.5 yards per carry. That 2.8 number should stand out like a sore thumb compared to what the rest of the Lions’ running backs have been able to do.
Johnson is already here as the back of the future and that future doesn’t include Blount. It was worth the one year shot but it didn’t work and I don’t see any way the two sides try again.