The Detroit Lions have a busy offseason ahead of them if they hope to enjoy a potential resurgence in the 2019 NFL season. However, it appears running back LeGarrette Blount will not be around to see the result.
Blount is set to hit the market as a free agent this offseason. According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, he likely will not be back with Detroit.
Four other players who started at least eight games for the Lions last season are ticketed for unrestricted free agency — tight ends Levine Toilolo and Luke Willson, defensive lineman Ricky Jean Francois and running back LeGarrette Blount — but all four are expected to hit the open market.
The update should hardly come as any surprise. Blount struggled to etch out a role in the Lions' backfield despite various injuries throughout the year. He largely served as a red zone option near the goal line and first downs. As a result, the veteran registered just 418 yards and five touchdowns on 154 carries.
Blount's role was further diminished by the emergence of running back Kerryon Johnson. The rookie showed plenty of promise as a potential workhorse before suffering a knee injury. It looks as though the Lions will try to continue adding young depth behind him moving forward.
Blount's prospects are not looking too bright in free agency. It is safe to say that teams will not be bidding on a 32-year-old power runner to anchor their backfield. Regardless, his championship experience could still provide plenty of value for a team looking to contend.
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