It's no secret that the Lions' run game was lackluster in 2012, and with Jahvid Best likely having to retire early due to multiple concussions, Detroit will be bringing in someone to replace him.
Lions free agency 2013: Detroit shopping for running backs
With Jahvid Best’s career likely over due to multiple concussions, Lions general manager Martin Mayhew is looking a replacement.
Christian Petersen
We've already heard that the Lions have expressed strong interest in Reggie Bush (LINK), but it is hard to imagine them stepping up to the plate and paying him the kind of money he will be seeking in free agency.
Our friends over at MLive.com brought up a couple of other speedy options, including La'Rod Stephens-Howling and Danny Woodhead.
The other speed options on the market are limited. An intriguing possibility, Chris Ivory, is likely off the table after the restricted free agent was tendered a second-round contract by the Saints on Friday.
Stephens-Howling has above-average speed and shown the ability to consistently make tacklers miss. He has big-play potential and would be a cheaper, change-of-pace back.
Outside of Bush, Woodhead is the fastest player available. A diminutive, fan favorite in New England, he ran a 4.33 second 40-yard dash coming out of college. He's also a proven weapon coming out of the backfield, catching 40 balls for 446 yards and three touchdowns in 2012.
The Lions salary cap situation was helped last month when two players -- center Dominic Raiola and wide receiver Nate Burleson -- took pay cuts that saved the team a combined $5.5 million for 2013. Prior to that, the Lions had actually been over the cap, which is not a good place to be when you are trying to land a top-tier free agent running back.
What will happen when the ball drops at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday? Martin Mayhew has his work cut out for him, and there are likely to be a couple more roster moves for the Lions before then. Stay tuned...
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