ESPN dissects Detroit Lions' most underrated offseason move

[ASFN Admin]

The Detroit Lions have made a number of moves this offseason.

Addressing its needs at offensive tackle and EDGE were priorities entering the 2026 NFL Draft and the Lions did just that, selecting Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller in the first round and Michigan EDGE Derrick Moore in the second.

But, Detroit also inked a handful of other free agents, including former Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco. The Pacheco signing earned some praise from ESPN as the Lions' most underrated offseason move.

The signing of unrestricted free agent running back Isiah Pacheco. Pacheco is viewed as a replacement for Montgomery, who was traded to Houston, and he's confident that his violent running style will complement Jahmyr Gibbs' speed in the backfield.

He is hopeful that the move to Detroit will also spark a new beginning for a career that has gotten off track. Last season, he finished with a disappointing 462 rushing yards and two total touchdowns in 13 games but appears to be motivated by the new situation.

Holmes was focused on adding players this offseason, such as Pacheco, to reestablish Detroit's blue-collar identity because "the urgency needed to be more pushed up on everything" after missing the postseason, he said during the NFL draft. - ESPN

After dealing away David Montgomery to the Houston Texans in exchange for a fourth-rounder, a seventh-rounder and interior offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, the Lions had a need at running back.

Detroit signed Pacheco for cheap, too. Pacheco inked a one-year, $1.81 million contract.

Pacheco has dealt with injuries over the past two seasons. A fractured fibula limited Pacheco to just seven games in 2024. Then, a sprained MCL in his right knee cost him three games last season.

But, Pacheco was a near-1,000 yard rusher in his first two seasons in the league when he ran for 830 yards and 935 yards, respectively.

Now, he arrives in Detroit where Jahmyr Gibbs is expected to shoulder the majority of the load. Perhaps that can help Pacheco return to form without big expectations around him. If healthy, Pacheco's physicality will be a terrific dimension to pair with Gibbs.

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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: ESPN dissects Detroit Lions' most underrated offseason move

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