The Detroit Lions were one of the most difficult teams to read during the 2015 season, as they started the first half of the year with a 1-7 record but finished the second half of the season with a 6-2 record. Newly appointed Lions general manager Bob Quinn is looking to change the culture of the Detroit franchise, but he knows that there is a ton of work to be done, as the Lions have not won a playoff game since the 1991 season.
The Lions lost a huge piece on the offensive side of the ball when wide receiver Calvin Johnson announced his retirement, but Detroit's front office has been adding some key pieces to both sides of the ball, including former Bengals wide receiver Marvin Jones.
The Lions added to their offensive line earlier this week by signing former New York Giants guard Geoff Schwartz to a one-year deal, and they have now landed another free agent on the offensive side of the ball in running back Stevan Ridley, reportedly on a one-year deal. The former Jets running back used his Instagram account Friday to announce that he would be joining the Lions in 2016.
"To the Organization and city of NEW YORK I truly thank you for all the love," Ridley wrote. "But now it's on to Detroit for me! I can't be happier for another shot to tot this pill and showcase the gifts I've been truly blessed with! Detroit, I've got a surprise for you this year, I promise. I'm ready to get to work with my new family, so April 18th can't come soon enough! Lets eat fellas, and this year we want the whole plate!!"
The newly acquired Lions running back is entering his sixth NFL season, and despite struggles last season in New York, he has proven himself a viable option earlier in his career. The Lions' new general manager knows the former Jets and Patriots running back quite well, as he was working as New England's assistant director of pro personnel and then director of pro scouting during Ridley's four seasons with the Patriots.
New England took Ridley in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft, and he showed the ability to be the top guy during the 2012 season, rushing for a career-high 1,263 yards with 12 touchdowns. The Lions released running back Joique Bell earlier this offseason, likely leading to a three-way race for the top spot between Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick and Ridley.
Quinn is looking to build a strong foundation in Detroit and has quietly been acquiring pieces this offseason to improve the Lions roster. The addition of Ridley is another piece to building a better team in Detroit, and with the 2016 NFL Draft around the corner, look for Lions to fill multiple holes, as Quinn is looking to bring his strong draft history in New England with him to Detroit.
