The Detroit Lions are shaking things up in their backfield, having traded David Montgomery to the Houston Texans. This move paves the way for them to bolster their running back depth in free agency. While Jahmyr Gibbs is set to be the main man, the Lions knew they needed a reliable backup to keep the ground game strong.
Enter Isiah Pacheco, who has just inked a deal with the Lions. Pacheco, fresh off his stint with the Kansas City Chiefs, brings a wealth of experience, including two Super Bowl victories. Standing at 5-foot-10 and weighing 216 pounds, Pacheco is known for his bruising running style, a reputation he built after being drafted in the seventh round out of Rutgers in 2022.
Pacheco made an immediate impact as a rookie, racking up 830 yards and five touchdowns on 170 carries, averaging an impressive 4.9 yards per carry. He followed that up with another solid year in 2023, posting 935 yards and seven touchdowns on 205 carries, maintaining a strong 4.6 yards per carry average.
However, a leg fracture in 2024 limited him to just seven games, and his efficiency took a hit, dropping to 3.7 yards per carry. The following year, he managed 3.9 yards per carry, leading the Chiefs to part ways with him in favor of Kenneth Walker.
Now at 27, Pacheco is looking to revitalize his career in Detroit. The Lions are optimistic that their system is the perfect fit for him to shine once again. With Pacheco in the mix, they’re aiming to have a dynamic and resilient running game that can adapt to any situation.