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The Detroit Lions made one of the biggest splashes of the offseason by trading fan favorite David Montgomery to the Houston Texans. In return, Detroit acquired offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, a fourth-round pick, and a 2027 seventh-round selection. While losing Montgomery leaves a significant void in the backfield, it also opened the door for the Lions to sign veteran running back Isaiah Pacheco.
Pacheco arrives in Detroit on an inexpensive one-year deal, making him one of the offseason’s lowest-risk, highest-upside signings. If he can return to the form he showed just two seasons ago, he has a legitimate chance to become one of Brad Holmes’ most impactful free-agent additions.
Pacheco’s 2025 season wasn’t his best. According to PFF, he earned a 58.6 overall grade, including a 67.4 rushing grade and a disappointing 35.6 receiving grade. He finished the season with 118 carries for 462 rushing yards, averaging 3.9 yards per carry while scoring one rushing touchdown. As a receiver, he caught 19 of 26 targets for 101 yards, although he was charged with four drops. One positive was his ball security, as he did not lose a single fumble all season.
However, his production in 2025 shouldn’t overshadow what he accomplished in 2023. That season, Pacheco ranked among the NFL’s better running backs, earning an impressive 82.3 overall PFF grade, good for 10th in the league. He also finished with an 83.7 rushing grade and a 70.8 receiving grade. Pacheco rushed for 935 yards on 205 carries, averaging 4.6 yards per attempt while scoring seven touchdowns. He also hauled in 44 receptions for 244 receiving yards and dropped just one pass all season.
Over his four-year NFL career, Pacheco has played in 51 games, totaling 576 rushing attempts for 2,537 yards and 14 rushing touchdowns while averaging 4.4 yards per carry. He’s also proven to be a reliable receiving option, catching 88 of 105 targets for an outstanding 83.8 percent catch rate. Across 664 career touches, Pacheco has averaged 4.7 yards every time he touches the football.
Beyond the numbers, Pacheco brings something that can’t be measured on a stat sheet—championship experience. During his time with the Kansas City Chiefs, he helped them win two Super Bowls and became known for his relentless running style, toughness, and high-energy approach. Those qualities fit perfectly with the culture Dan Campbell has built in Detroit.
While Jahmyr Gibbs remains the featured back, Pacheco gives offensive coordinator Drew Petzing another proven weapon. His downhill, physical running style complements Gibbs’ speed and explosiveness, creating a balanced one-two punch capable of wearing down opposing defenses. Pacheco also has the ability to excel in short-yardage situations and help the Lions control the clock late in games.
Overall, Pacheco isn’t the same player as David Montgomery, and replacing Montgomery’s production won’t be easy. Injuries have slowed Pacheco over the last two seasons, making health the biggest question surrounding his signing. Still, he owns a higher career yards-per-carry average (4.4) than Montgomery (4.1) and boasts a slightly better career catch rate. If he can stay healthy and rediscover his 2023 form, Pacheco could quietly become one of the Lions’ biggest steals of the offseason.
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Pacheco arrives in Detroit on an inexpensive one-year deal, making him one of the offseason’s lowest-risk, highest-upside signings. If he can return to the form he showed just two seasons ago, he has a legitimate chance to become one of Brad Holmes’ most impactful free-agent additions.
Pacheco’s 2025 season wasn’t his best. According to PFF, he earned a 58.6 overall grade, including a 67.4 rushing grade and a disappointing 35.6 receiving grade. He finished the season with 118 carries for 462 rushing yards, averaging 3.9 yards per carry while scoring one rushing touchdown. As a receiver, he caught 19 of 26 targets for 101 yards, although he was charged with four drops. One positive was his ball security, as he did not lose a single fumble all season.
However, his production in 2025 shouldn’t overshadow what he accomplished in 2023. That season, Pacheco ranked among the NFL’s better running backs, earning an impressive 82.3 overall PFF grade, good for 10th in the league. He also finished with an 83.7 rushing grade and a 70.8 receiving grade. Pacheco rushed for 935 yards on 205 carries, averaging 4.6 yards per attempt while scoring seven touchdowns. He also hauled in 44 receptions for 244 receiving yards and dropped just one pass all season.
Over his four-year NFL career, Pacheco has played in 51 games, totaling 576 rushing attempts for 2,537 yards and 14 rushing touchdowns while averaging 4.4 yards per carry. He’s also proven to be a reliable receiving option, catching 88 of 105 targets for an outstanding 83.8 percent catch rate. Across 664 career touches, Pacheco has averaged 4.7 yards every time he touches the football.
Beyond the numbers, Pacheco brings something that can’t be measured on a stat sheet—championship experience. During his time with the Kansas City Chiefs, he helped them win two Super Bowls and became known for his relentless running style, toughness, and high-energy approach. Those qualities fit perfectly with the culture Dan Campbell has built in Detroit.
While Jahmyr Gibbs remains the featured back, Pacheco gives offensive coordinator Drew Petzing another proven weapon. His downhill, physical running style complements Gibbs’ speed and explosiveness, creating a balanced one-two punch capable of wearing down opposing defenses. Pacheco also has the ability to excel in short-yardage situations and help the Lions control the clock late in games.
Overall, Pacheco isn’t the same player as David Montgomery, and replacing Montgomery’s production won’t be easy. Injuries have slowed Pacheco over the last two seasons, making health the biggest question surrounding his signing. Still, he owns a higher career yards-per-carry average (4.4) than Montgomery (4.1) and boasts a slightly better career catch rate. If he can stay healthy and rediscover his 2023 form, Pacheco could quietly become one of the Lions’ biggest steals of the offseason.
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