This is the fourth in our series previewing the Detroit Lions' needs heading into free agency. The legal tampering window opens at noon on Monday, and deals can be signed starting at 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 12. Today: Running Backs. Previously:Quarterbacks |Wide receivers and Tight Ends |Offensive Line
Under contract: Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Sione Vaki
Expiring deals: Craig Reynolds
Best available free agents: Aaron Jones (Vikings), Rico Dowdle (Cowboys), Najee Harris (Steelers), Nick Chubb (Browns), J.K. Dobbins (Chargers)
Other potential Lions fits: Craig Reynolds (Lions), Kenneth Gainwell (Eagles), Elijah Mitchell (49ers), Joshua Kelley (Titans)
Breakdown: Similar to the quarterback position, I don’t expect the Lions to allocate many resources to the running back group in free agency.
After all, they already have the reigning touchdown king in Jahmyr Gibbs and the bruising David Montgomery. Together, “Sonic and Knuckles” form the NFL’s most lethal one-two punch in the backfield, a dynamic duo they’ve proven over the past two seasons.
That said, Montgomery has missed six games over the past two years — three in each season. If that trend continues, the Lions will need a quality option at RB3 who can take meaningful snaps and help ease the workload for Gibbs.
Craig Reynolds has filled that role for the Lions over the past four seasons. He has a knack for picking up tough yards and serves as a reliable asset in pass protection.
However, for this offense to elevate to another level, they’ll need another option at the position — one capable of spelling both Gibbs and Montgomery in key moments.
Sione Vaki could prove to be that player. He has shown versatility in the backfield and on special teams during both preseason and regular season play.
If the Lions decide to look outside the organization, Kenneth Gainwell, Elijah Mitchell, and Joshua Kelley could be potential fits at a similar price point to Reynolds.
Fresh off a Super Bowl win, Gainwell could leave Philadelphia for a slight pay increase and the chance to play for another contender. He’s four years younger than Reynolds, who will turn 29 before the start of next season, and could become a viable RB2 option down the road should the Lions move on from Montgomery, who will be 30 after his current extension.
Gainwell had 75 carries for 290 yards and one touchdown last season, averaging 3.9 yards per carry. He also caught 16 of 22 targets for 116 yards. A proven asset in both the run and pass games, what makes him particularly attractive is his explosiveness. Once he finds daylight, he bursts through the hole and is tough to bring down.
Mitchell, coming off a season-ending hamstring injury, seems like a longshot for the Lions. With their Super Bowl window still open, adding players with injury histories could be risky. That said, at his best, Mitchell was a proven starter. He’s at least worth kicking the tires on.
Kelley falls into a similar category as Mitchell, though his injury history is less extensive. When healthy, he’s an absolute standout in the backfield. His ability to freeze defenders with cutbacks and juke moves, followed by quick bursts of speed, makes him dangerous.
The 27-year-old Kelley also possesses excellent vision and patience as a runner, allowing him to wait for holes to open before attacking. He’s also solid in short-yardage situations.
Along with that, Kelley has proven to be a capable pass catcher out of the backfield. Working with Tashard Choice, Scottie Montgomery, and John Morton in Detroit could help Kelley thrive as he did with the Chargers, especially behind the stout Lions offensive line.
In the end, bringing back Reynolds seems like the most likely decision.
The Lions' running back room is tight-knit, and they work well together. Reynolds understands his role and, by all accounts, is comfortable with it. His familiarity with the expectations under head coach Dan Campbell, combined with his strong presence in the locker room, makes it more likely that the Lions will keep him rather than part ways.