Oct 27, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) waves to fans during warmups prior to the game against the Washington Commanders at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Detroit Lions: Land 2x-Super Bowl Redemption Candidate

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By Jackson Loschko | Last updated Mar 10, 2026 1:55 PM ET

The Detroit Lions needed to address the running back position after trading David Montgomery to the Houston Texans, since their depth outside Jahmyr Gibbs is weak and could use a new partner in crime. The three other backs under contract, not on reserve/future deals, have limited playing time. Jacob Saylors has just 11 rushing yards on two carries across eight total snaps, Sione Vaki has 18 yards on seven carries across 27 snaps, and Kye Robichaux has yet to make an appearance in an NFL regular season.

The Detroit Lions are set to land a 2x-Super Bowl redemption candidate

According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Lions are set to sign Isiah Pacheco to a contract. He is a redemption candidate because he showed flashes in his first two seasons but has battled injuries and inconsistencies over the past two. Pacheco totaled 2,275 yards across 4.6 yards per attempt and 16 touchdowns from 2022 to 2023 combined, including the playoffs. Since then, he has 809 yards across 3.8 yards per attempt and two touchdowns, while missing ten games in 2024 with a fractured fibula and rib injury in 2024, and three contests in 2025 due to an MCL sprain.

Source: The Lions are signing RB Isiah Pacheco. pic.twitter.com/TpWUD5fiBj

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 10, 2026

Here’s a quick review of his 2025 campaign

Isiah Pacheco had a solid start to the season before suffering an MCL sprain in Week 8. He had 329 yards on 78 carries and one score throughout the first eight games. Pacheco wasn’t as explosive over the past five contests, rushing for 133 yards on 40 carries, totaling 462 yards while averaging 3.9 yards per attempt and one touchdown across 13 games.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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