When Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes leads the team in writing out the offseason shopping list, it’s going to be a long one. Going 3-13-1 and finishing near the bottom in both offense and defense means there are plenty of needs for Detroit in the 2022 NFL draft and free agency.
But there is one position Holmes won’t have to write on the shopping list. The Lions are fully stocked at running back.
Coming off the best ground game Detroit has produced in 20 years, the Lions bring back the top four RBs and the entire starting offensive line for 2022. The quartet at running back is all under contract through the next season.
Jamaal Williams returns as the ringleader. The veteran played well in his first year in Detroit, topping 600 yards on the ground on 153 carries. Williams also caught 26 of 28 passing targets and was a rock in pass protection. His effusive energy and playful personality were a much-needed dose of positivity for the Lions. Williams is signed through the 2022 season for $4.63 million in total compensation.
D’Andre Swift led the Lions in rushing yards with 617 (16 more than Williams) and also showed he’s a fantastic threat out of the backfield. Swift caught 62 passes for over 400 yards and scored seven total touchdowns. He has two years left on his rookie contract.
Craig Reynolds exploded off the practice squad with a commanding two-week performance as the primary back. In Weeks 14-15, Reynolds hammered the ball for 195 yards on 37 carries. That performance earned the young journeyman a stable contract through the 2022 season in Detroit that will pay him just under $1 million. That’s exceptional value for a quality No. 3 RB.
Then there’s Jermar Jefferson. A sixth-round rookie from Oregon State, he was a healthy scratch for most of his first season. When Jefferson did get a chance, he too was effective: 15 carries for 74 yards and two TDs. He’s tied to the Lions through the 2024 season for less than $1 million per season on average. There is certainly room for improvement in the passing game for Jefferson, but he’s a keeper.
Fullback Jason Cabinda can also come back. Cabinda, who came to Detroit as a linebacker, is a restricted free agent and was effective enough to return for another season.
It leaves no urgent need to add any running backs this offseason. If Holmes & Co. decides to save some money and get rid of Williams, then that changes. But signing a veteran free agent or using a draft pick on a running back this offseason is quite literally the last thing these Lions need to do in 2022.
