Allen Park — There are a lot of ways to build a winner in the NFL, but the Detroit Lions are definitely swimming against the current with their approach to the running back position.
Around the league, teams have become less and less interested in investing in running backs, whether through the draft and free agency. And when a top running back emerges, there’s a reluctance to reward them with a long-term contract. That’s why three — Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs and Tony Pollard — got the franchise tag as pending free agents this offseason. Sure, that still comes with a hefty payday, but it’s not the long-term security players covet in a profession that will readily chew you up and spit you out without a second thought.
Yet, despite that trend, Detroit pulled out all the stops to upgrade its backfield this offseason, even after posting the franchise’s best season running the ball since the retirement of Barry Sanders. The team allowed last year’s touchdown leader, Jamaal Williams, walk in free agency, opting to upgrade to a new, more versatile model in David Montgomery. That came with paying a steeper price to make the swap, awarding the incoming Montgomery a three-year pact worth up to $18 million with $11 million in guarantees.
Then the Lions doubled down in the draft, surprising many outside observers by taking Jahmyr Gibbs with the No. 12 pick in the first round, effectively replacing D’Andre Swift, who was shipped to the Philadelphia Eagles the following day.
“It’s a position that you need on the field,” Montgomery said. “Just to have an organization and staff that sees that, with all the running backs we have on this team, it’s definitely cool to have and feel valued.”
And while the Lions don’t necessarily view themselves as a run-first offense, there’s no denying the value they’ve placed on being able to run effectively. And more than that, they like having versatile weapons like Montgomery and Gibbs in the backfield, capable of stressing a defense with their individual and combined skill sets.
“I think in the running back position it’s important to have a guy that you know he can carry that ball 25-30 times a game, and he’s only going to get better the more carries he gets,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “But he also is versatile enough to do some things out of the backfield, pass protect. Then you want electricity in that room, too. Somebody that you really believe is a mismatch in the pass game, (or) you hand him the ball in the runs, he can take it the distance. So, I just think having different types of guys is important, but if you don’t have a bell cow, I think it’s hard to survive in this league in the run game.”
As it’s set up, Montgomery is the lead horse in the stable. And he’s earned that right having averaged more than 660 snaps and 250 touches through the first four years of his career. But Gibbs is obviously more than just a complement. He’s a potentially explosive playmaker, with rare speed, elusiveness and the ability to make significant contributions in the pass game. And you can be sure the two are going to share the field regularly the next few seasons.
“I think we’re going to be dangerous together,” Montgomery said. “Jah is explosive and I feel like I’m explosive in my own way, as well. I’m just excited to be playing with him and get this thing rolling and see what me and him can be.”
When healthy, Montgomery and Gibbs will shoulder most, if not all of the offensive load. But the Lions are still sifting through options for a third back, one who can step in as a stopgap if there’s an injury, and will otherwise play a significant role on special teams.
“We’re looking for a third back and it all starts with special teams, man,” Campbell said. “If they can help us there, then we’re figure out the offensive side of it.”
Justin Jackson had been the favorite for that job, but he abruptly retired at the age of 27 last week. Craig Reynolds and Jermar Jefferson, returning contenders, each have been battling injuries but returned to practice Wednesday. Still, the situation opened the door for recent additions, Devine Ozigbo and Benny Snell, to walk through the door and state a case.
Despite signing late last week, the two combined for 17 carries in the preseason opener. And while the Lions already have a book on what Reynolds and Jefferson can offer, Snell’s special-teams background make him a sneaky sleeper.
“In Pittsburgh, I was on all four teams: kickoff, kickoff return, punt and punt return,” Snell said. “I can do it all, whatever the coaches ask, I’ll do. I’m ready to get to work. That’s what I’m here for.”
jdrogers@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @Justin_Rogers