The Lions released veteran running back Zach Zenner, according to Field Yates of ESPN.com (on Twitter). By releasing Zenner, the Lions will save the bulk of his scheduled one-year, $805K salary, though they’ll be in the hole for the $250K guarantee on his deal.
Zenner enjoyed the best season of his career in 2016 when he ran for 334 yards and four touchdowns off of 88 carries. He also added 18 catches for 196 yards. All of those numbers stand as career highs for the former undrafted free agent out of South Dakota State.
Last year, Zenner played a much smaller role with 55 carries for 265 yards and three touchdowns. However, his yards-per-carry average of 4.8 yards per tote was strong and represents a career high (albeit, one with a limited sample size).
The Lions will use Kerryon Johnson as their main running back with C.J. Anderson and Ty Johnson in support. Running backs Mark Thompson and Justin Stockton are also on the roster, for now.
Before he reupped with Detroit earlier this year, the Vikings expressed interest in the Eagan, Minn., native, so that’s one potential landing spot to watch.
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