After another RB injury, the Lions are being urged to pursue a former $21 million star.
Going into Week 7, the Detroit Lions were linked to a number of experienced running backs. The Lions then did little to quell the rumors about the Baltimore Ravens.
In fact, after Week 7, the Lions may have an even greater need in the offensive backfield.
As a result, the Lions were inspired to pursue veteran Leonard Fournette in free agency this week once more.
“While they do have rookie Jahmyr Gibbs to turn to, the Lions will be missing a true power back without Montgomery, and Fournette could fill in as the offense’s bruiser in the red zone with his 34 career rushing touchdowns,” the members of the Bleacher Report NFL crew stated.
“Also, Mohamed Ibrahim underwent immediate surgery after suffering a hip injury during yesterday’s game.”
The Lions signed Ibrahim to the practice squad to assist the team cope with Montgomery’s departure. Ibrahim, on the other hand, required surgery after dislocating his hip on October 22.
The Lions are also without starter David Montgomery and depth running back Zonovan Knight, in addition to Ibrahim. In Week 7, rookie Jahmyr Gibbs returned from injury.
Fournette, 28, would bring plenty of experience to Detroit after signing a three-year, $21 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ahead of the 2022 season.
How Leonard Fournette Could Fit With the Lions
Max Gerber of USA Today’s Lions Wire recommended Fournette as a last-ditch replacement for Montgomery, who left Week 6 with a rib injury.
Gerber contended that Fournette “might be” Detroit’s “best bet” if Montgomery is forced to go on injured reserve due to a rib injury.
“Former first-round pick Leonard Fournette is still on the market despite several strong seasons with Tampa Bay,” Gerber stated in an email. “Injuries have been a concern for him, but Detroit desperately needs help at running back right now.”
“With 79 career starts and two 1,000-yard seasons under his belt, he’s the most talented and experienced running back still available.”
Montgomery has not been placed on injured reserve. He might perhaps play against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 8, and even if he doesn’t, the Lions will have a bye in Week 9.
However, it does not appear that Knight or Ibrahim will return to the Lions anytime soon. Knight will miss the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury.
That simply does not leave Detroit with a lot of healthy running backs.
Fournette has never played a full season in his career because of injuries. However, his experience should be beneficial to Detroit until Montgomery returns.
In his NFL career, Fournette has ran for 4,478 yards and 34 touchdowns. In 79 games, he has 312 catches for 2,219 yards and 7 touchdowns.
Fournette rushed for 668 yards and gained over 1,000 yards from scrimmage for the Buccaneers last season.
Other RB Depth Options for Lions
Fournette began his NFL career as the fourth overall choice in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He carried for 1,000 yards in two of his first three seasons.
Then, in his first season with the Buccaneers, he helped Tampa Bay win the Super Bowl in 2020. That postseason experience should be appealing to a Lions team that lacks recent January success.
However, the Lions have other running back alternatives outside Fournette.
Detroit signed a familiar running back in Ibrahim last week. If the squad emphasizes familiarity, the obvious possibilities are Jermar Jefferson, Benny Snell, and Greg Bell. All three backs worked out for the Lions during the preseason and are free agents.
If the Lions are looking for veteran running backs with more experience, Fournette, Mark Ingram, J.D. McKissic, and Rex Burkhead are all available in free agency.
All three running backs are at least 29 years old and should not be expected to lead a backfield at this stage in their careers. However, any of the three might provide seasoned experience on the depth chart.
McKissic and Burkhead would be particularly appealing targets if the Lions are looking for a veteran back who can catch passes.
Whether it’s one of the candidates listed above or someone else, the Lions will almost certainly need to add another running back before Week 8.
