The Detroit Lions signed running back C.J. Anderson earlier this offseason, and apparently, it was a move that was planned for quite some time.

After being released by the Carolina Panthers back in November, the Lions brought Anderson in for a workout, as they had just lost Kerryon Johnson due to a knee injury.

But Detroit ultimately didn't sign Anderson, opening the door for Anderson to sign with the Oakland Raiders. His time in Oakland was very brief, as he was then released again before landing with the Los Angeles Rams, where he revitalized his career.

However, Anderson says Lions general manager Bob Quinn told him he would sign him in the offseason:

“Bob kept it real with me (after the Lions workout),” Anderson said, according to Dave Birkett of The Detroit Free Press. “Bob pretty much told me that he’d come get me during free agency and he was a man of his word. I went on with the Rams, had fun and then first call I got was the Lions, so it was a no-brainer.”

Anderson totaled 403 yards and a couple of touchdowns this past season, averaging six yards per carry. Most of his production came with Rams running back Todd Gurley sidelined in Weeks 16 and 17, as Anderson racked up 167 and 132 yards, respectively.

He then proceeded to gash the Dallas Cowboys for 123 yards and a couple of touchdowns in the Divisional Round of the playoffs.

Just two years removed from a 1,000-yard campaign with the Denver Broncos, Anderson will likely serve as Johnson's backup in 2019.