The Detroit Lions have Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johson returning to man the offense, but there is a lot to be desired in the run game. The team opted to release Reggie Bush after a year of injuries ruined his tenure with the team, but Joique Bell and Theo Riddick leave a lot to be desired in the backfield. As the Lions continue to search out options in the draft, would they eye other running backs in trades?
According to the Detroit Free Press, the Lions will be getting running back help in the draft and nowhere else. The team has taken interest in the best backs available including Todd Gurley, TJ Yeldon and Melvin Gordon. All three will start to be taken off the boards in the second round as other teams also need help at the position. That would leave the Lions looking elsewhere for help, but salary cap restraints might hurt the effort.
Head coach Jim Caldwell made it clear that the Lions were not taking interest in Ray Rice despite recent rumors the emerged. At the NFL Annual Meeting, the head coach told the media, "I do not foresee that, to be plain and simple. There has to be a need and a fit in all areas. At this point in time, he's not a fit for us." (via ESPN)
Many wonder if teams will show interest in Rice given that he will likely sign for cheap since there are not many teams eyeing him for help. At 28, Rice has some time left in him and could be a productive player for any team including Detroit, but his steep fall from grace following domestic violence charges has every team steering clear.
Salary cap issues will likely eliminate Adrian Peterson or Matt Forte. Both running backs are available for the right price from both the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears, but they come with heavy price tags. The Lions have big money tied into both Stafford and Johnson which hurts the idea they could bring on a big-named running back. Instead, Riddick and Bell will take over the backfield with a rookie joining in as Caldwell expects that to be enough for the offense.
