NFL Free Agency 2020: 5 Teams that should tender an offer for Austin Ekeler

4. Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions run game hasn’t been the same since Reggie Bush accumulated over 1,500 total yards in 2013. Since then, the Lions have been recycling pass-catching running backs like Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick and Kerryon Johnson to no avail.

After Johnson went down in Week 7, the Lions were forced to cobble together an assortment of free agents that never made a name for themselves. Even though I love Johnson as a prospect, his injury history and ineffectiveness thus far in his career should give Detroit cause to find another running back.

Austin Ekeler could be the Lions’ solution to their 21st ranked rushing attack. Ekeler’s pass-catching acumen, as well as his ability to run out of the shotgun formation, would give the Lions a potent threat out of the backfield; his speed and shiftiness would be a great compliment to Johnson’s physical style of play. He would benefit from Detroit’s big-bodied, downfield receivers, who will open up space in the middle of the field.

Ekeler could be an important outlet for Stafford, who historically relies on the running back in the passing game. Riddick, the Lions’ main receiving back before 2019, surpassed 65 targets and 50 receptions in each of his four previous seasons with Stafford. Ekeler should garner greater efficiency with those touches as he is far more talented and younger than Riddick. He would open up an area of the passing game that has been ineffective for much of Stafford’s tenure in Detroit.

The Lions have approximately $47 million in cap space and can afford to give Ekeler a long-term deal. Given they have the No. 3 overall pick in this year’s draft and appear to be a likely candidate to trade down, they’ll have plenty of capital to sacrifice if a second-round tender is placed on Ekeler.

The Chargers running back would give Stafford a solid backfield complement who can keep Kerryon Johnson fresh and open up an already strong Lions passing attack.