The Detroit Lions currently have a three-man running back rotation with a lot of money invested in the position. After acquiring Reggie Bush during the 2013 offseason, Joiquie Bell and Mikel Leshoure were pushed down the depth charter with Theo Riddick essentially non-existent. With an expiring contract and positive stats to his name, it appeared Bell would be shown the door, but now reports suggest the two sides are negotiating a long-term contract.
When the Lions' offseason began, Bell made it known that he had no intentions of leaving his hometown. A young back with plenty of potential, Bell could get a lot of attention on the open market if he were made available. After bouncing around teams, he proved very capable of a starting spot. Given Bush is the starter for Detroit, it was assumed Bell would be leave, but that might now be the case.
"Of course I want to come back," Bell said, via theDetroit Free Press. "Like I told (the reporter) my first year when I got here, I want to finish my career here, and let's make it happen. I don't want to go nowhere. Obviously, this is a team sport, so regardless of what I did individually, I didn't do enough for us to win more games, and that's why we're not going to the playoffs."
According to Detroit Lions beat writer Tim Twentyman, Bell will likely get his wish. The Lions have begun negotiations for a long-term contract with the young running back. There is mutual interest from both parties, but Detroit's interest might be in a restricted tag, not a full contract. The Lions are very aware what Bell can bring to the field, especially with Bush. In 2013, the duo became the first running back tandem to each have 500 yards rushing and 500 yards receiving in one season. Bush is not going to be around forever. Considering his injury history, he is a guarantee to miss at least one or two games a season, making Bell a priority.
The running back roster is very crowded meaning someone has to go. If it is not going to be Bell or Bush, Leshoure or Riddick are the likely options. Leshoure still has one year remaining on his current rookie contract. The running back thrived in 2012, putting up 798 yards and nine touchdowns, but only had nine yards total in 2013. The Lions might be able to negotiate a trade for him considering his contract. Riddick had 25 yards and a touchdown to his name in 2013. The lions will have to decide which young back is better to keep.
