The Detroit Lions have a new running back after signing veteran C.J. Anderson to a 1-year free agent deal on Monday. The 28-year-old California product will primarily serve as the No. 2 RB behind Kerryon Johnson, a role LeGarrette Blount held last season.
Anderson spent his first five seasons with the Denver Broncos, where he helped the team on a couple of deep playoff runs. He has a Super Bowl ring to show for his efforts. Averaging 4.4 yards per carry for his career, he understands how to maximize yards at his squatty (he’s 5-8 and plays in the 225-pound range) build.
His 2018 was a weird one. After starting the season with the Carolina Panthers, he briefly signed on with the Oakland Raiders before bouncing quickly to the Los Angeles Rams. He had gained some bad weight and it hindered his ability early on with the Panthers. The acceleration and elusiveness through the interior holes just weren’t the same.
Once the Rams starting using him and Anderson got back in better shape, he looked like the 1,000-yard rusher from 2017 and the Pro Bowler for 2014. One key to that was his use in the passing game, and that can only help Anderson in Detroit.
The Rams got Anderson more involved in the passing offense, throwing him three passes per game in his 5 appearances (regular season and playoffs). His ability to catch the ball and transition from receiver to runner as a bigger back is a dimension the Lions can definitely utilize.
Anderson also graded out well by Pro Football Focus in pass protection until 2018. If the Lions can keep him in shape, they just acquired a low-cost, low-risk upgrade at running back and a player with a hunger to prove himself after a star-crossed season.
