The Detroit Lions are set to retain depth in their backfield ahead of the start of free agency.
The organization announced Thursday that it had signed running back Zonovan Knight, bringing him back after he was set to be an exclusive rights free agent this upcoming offseason. ‘
Terms of the contract were not immediately reported, but traditionally exclusive rights tenders are one-year deals worth the league minimum. Knight won't hit free agency, which begins March 13, as a result.
Knight’s first season in Motown was short-lived, as he suffered a season-ending injury in his second game with the team. He finished with just three carries for 13 yards while catching one pass for eight yards.
The N.C. State product signed with the Lions’ practice squad after being waived by the New York Jets. He was eventually signed to the active roster when starter David Montgomery suffered an injury against Seattle in Week 2.
He provided depth for the Lions going forward as Montgomery would miss Week 3, and was a healthy scratch in Week 4. After Jahmyr Gibbs suffered an injury, Knight was active for the Week 5 win over Carolina, which was when he suffered his season-ending injury.
In seven games with the Jets in 2022, Knight rushed 85 times for 300 yards and one touchdown. He also caught 13 passes for 100 yards.
Knight will presumably compete for reps with Craig Reynolds as Detroit's third running back. The Lions nearly had two 1,000-yard rushers in 2023, as Montgomery surpassed that mark and rookie Jahmyr Gibbs finished with 945 yards on the ground.
Gibbs had over 1,000 all-purpose yards, showcasing a dynamic skill set in his first NFL season.
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