SURPRISE! Detroit Lions re-sign RB Zach Zenner

0
2251
NFL: Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions
Jan 1, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions fullback Zach Zenner (34) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

One of Bob Quinn’s biggest challenges this offseason is to figure out a way to improve the Detroit Lions rushing attack. In order to accomplish that, he will have to focus on improving both the running back depth and also the interior of the offensive line.

Welcome back Zach Zenner!

On Friday, the Lions announced a move that may come a bit of a surprise to some as they have re-signed running back Zach Zenner. The deal is only for 1-year and the monetary details have not yet been released.

Since being signed by the Lions as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2015, Zenner has played in 28 games (5 starts) over three seasons, rushing for 420 yards (3.5 YPC) and five touchdowns. He has also caught 20 passes for 207 yards.

What now, Bob Quinn?

Back in January, Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn vowed to add at least one new running back before the start of the 2018 NFL season.

“Our running backs didn’t perform as good as everyone thought. I think that’s the facts. But I think we have guys in that room that are tough guys, they’re smart guys, they have skill. Will we add someone? Probably, absolutely,” Quinn said.

That thought seems like a great idea as the Lions rushing attack ranked dead last in the entire NFL last season. But with free agency now well underway, Quinn has yet to add fresh blood to the Lions backfield and the pool of available free agent running backs gets smaller by the day.

After already meeting with Jonathan Stewart (signed with New York Giants), DeMarco Murray, and Frank Gore, the Lions are reportedly planning on meeting with LeGarrette Blount on Friday.

With Zenner back on the roster, it is likely Quinn will add one free agent running back and then another via the NFL Draft to round out the depth chart.

BONUS CONTENT: 

REPORT: Free agent TE to visit Detroit Lions; could Eric Ebron return?

On Wednesday, the Detroit Lions surprised quite a few people when they announced that former 1st Round pick Eric Ebron was being released. Following the move, the Lions tight end depth chart looks extremely slim with Michael Roberts, Hakeem Valles, and Brandon Barnes being the only three TEs on the roster.

So, the question is, how will general manager Bob Quinn go about adding a tight end (or two) to the roster before the 2018 season begins? Will he sign a free agent? Make a trade? Select one in the NFL Draft? Bring back a familiar face? Only time will tell but you can rest assured that he will have to make a move.

To read the rest of the article, please click here.