Lions Sign Rudi Johnson to One-Year Deal

by Sean Yuille on Sep 1, 2008 6:55 PM EDT in Detroit Lions Roster

The Lions have signed running back Rudi Johnson to a one-year contract despite earlier reports that a deal wasn't imminent. The signing won't become official until tomorrow as the contract was signed after NFL offices closed. That means the Lions probably won't announce the move until tomorrow, meaning for now we don't know who Johnson is replacing. However, all signs point to Tatum Bell being the odd man out.

UPDATE (9:02 p.m.): Pro Football Talk is reporting that Tatum Bell has indeed been cut to make room on the roster for Johnson.

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i doubt it

Im guessin the Lions will cut one of their four (FOUR!!!) tight ends to make room for Rudi. I don’t know if i like this move or not, but it does give the Lions a solid running back to spell Smith when necessary.

by The Prodigy on Sep 1, 2008 8:57 PM EDT reply actions

NM

there’s only three tight ends now. I forgot they got rid of mchugh.

by The Prodigy on Sep 1, 2008 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Great call by me (not!)

I could be on espn with those predictions (and still beat emmitt smith)

by The Prodigy on Sep 1, 2008 9:39 PM EDT up reply actions

There's still four actually

Before McHugh got released there was five of them. The remaining four are Campbell, Gaines, Owens, and FitzSimmons.

Check out Pride of Detroit, SB Nation's Lions Blog

by Sean Yuille on Sep 1, 2008 11:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Call me crazy

But I like the deal. He’s a big time back that can split time with Smith. Plus, he gives Smith some veteran advice.

True, he might be breaking down a little bit, but the Lions don’t expect him to carry the entire load.

I was not that big a fan of Bell, so I see this as an upgrade. At worst, it’s a one year trial that gives the lions a lot of upside potential. Why not roll the dice?

by ReichardZ on Sep 1, 2008 10:15 PM EDT reply actions