Tuesday open thread: What should the Detroit Lions do with Theo Riddick?

On Monday, the Detroit Lions hosted free agent running back Spencer Ware for a visit. It was a move many people expected, as the Lions have a pretty big need for a No. 2 running back, and Ware has a history—however brief—with new Lions offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell.

Though the Lions have yet to sign Ware, simply their interest in him brings into question their plans for Theo Riddick. In a lot of ways, Ware can do the same things that Riddick can—and more. He may not be as slippery, but he’s certainly a threat in the receiving game, his pass blocking is certainly above average, and he has been more successful at running between the tackles than Riddick has.

With Riddick on the books for $4.625 million this year and the Lions able to shed $3.66 million of that via a cut or trade, you have to wonder if the Lions are considering a divorce. Detroit is not desperate for cap space, but if they can get a discount anywhere, you know general manager Bob Quinn is going to take advantage.

So today’s Question of the Day is:

What should the Lions do with Theo Riddick?

My answer: Originally I wasn’t for it, but it’s starting to seem like moving on may be the right answer here. Ware makes a lot of sense as a replacement, and given how low free agent running back contracts have been this offseason (Mark Ingram: 3-years, $15 million), it’s fair to speculate that Ware would be a cheaper option.

Riddick is still a valuable player in the NFL—especially with what he brings both as a receiver and as a pass blocker—but for someone who has essentially just become a third-down back in Detroit, $4.6 million is probably just too big of an investment.

If the Lions can land a solid replacement like Ware, I think it’s time to move on from Riddick.

Your turn.