Running Back: C.J. Anderson, Detroit Lions
Contract: One year, $1.5 million
A former Pro Bowl running back, C.J. Anderson had more than 1,000 yards rushing for the Denver Broncos in 2017 but then hardly got the ball with the Carolina Panthers after heading there as a free agent pickup in 2018. They released him after giving him only 24 carries in nine games and he landed in Oakland. However, the Raiders never used him and cut him promptly.
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Anderson then landed with the Los Angeles Rams and rushed for 299 yards and two touchdowns in the final two games of the season, filling in for an injured Todd Gurley. He then ran all over the Dallas Cowboys in the postseason and was huge in the Rams making it to the Super Bowl — continuing to be the primary ball carrier even when Gurley was dressed.
Even with his postseason success, he struggled to find a new home during the offseason and eventually was signed by the Detroit Lions for just $1.5 million. That’s nothing for a guy who has a career average of 4.5 yards per rush and has big-game experience — like when he helped the Broncos win Super Bowl 50. Anderson has even commented about how he felt disrespected by the lack of attention, which could be a good thing for the Lions.