Heading into free agency, the Detroit Lions reshaped their roster by releasing offensive linemen Graham Glasgow and Taylor Decker and trading running back David Montgomery. Within the first day of free agency, the Lions addressed some of their pressing needs by signing Cade Mays as their new center and adding running back Isiah Pacheco to complement Jahmyr Gibbs in the backfield. This pairing aims to bolster Detroit’s rushing attack as the team looks to leverage Pacheco’s running style to support Gibbs’ breakout talent.
Assessing Isiah Pacheco’s Potential Impact in Detroit
Isiah Pacheco, known for his aggressive and energetic running, came into the NFL as a seventh-round draft pick from Rutgers. In his initial seasons, he made a significant impact, rushing for 830 yards and five touchdowns in his rookie year, followed by 935 yards and seven rushing touchdowns in his second season. Additionally, Pacheco contributed nearly 250 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns, indicating his ability to be a dual-threat out of the backfield.
Despite this strong start, Pacheco’s performance has been hindered by injuries and a drop in efficiency. Over the past two seasons, he has averaged under four yards per carry, totaling 772 rushing yards and just two touchdowns in 20 games during 2024 and 2025. Meanwhile, David Montgomery, Detroit’s previous lead back, carried the ball 40 more times than Pacheco did in 2025, indicating a difference in workload and durability concerns.
Pacheco’s injury history is a significant factor, with a fibula fracture in 2024 followed by a knee injury last season contributing to his setbacks. By joining the Lions primarily as a backup, there is an expectation that his workload and risk of injury might be managed more carefully, potentially allowing him to maintain better health. However, considering that Montgomery sustained over 160 carries while healthy last season, there remains uncertainty about Pacheco’s capacity to handle a heavy workload consistently.
Transitioning from Kansas City to Detroit
Pacheco’s move to Detroit came after the Kansas City Chiefs signed Kenneth Walker III, indicating a shift in their backfield plans. Paired with offensive coordinator Drew Petzing—who guided James Conner to back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons in 2023 and 2024—Pacheco is expected to fit into a system favoring a combination of power and agility in the running game.
The Lions gain from Pacheco’s reputation as a powerful runner, offering a similar dynamic to what Montgomery brought over the past two seasons. Meanwhile, Jahmyr Gibbs has emerged as one of the NFL’s elite running backs, making their partnership under Petzing an intriguing prospect for Detroit’s offense. The complement of Gibbs’ explosiveness and Pacheco’s physicality aims to create a balanced and formidable rushing attack.
Evaluating the Signing and What Lies Ahead
Although the financial details of Pacheco’s contract have not yet been made public, Detroit’s acquisition signals confidence in his ability to return to form. If Pacheco can overcome his recent injuries and regain the performance level of his first two NFL seasons, the Lions could benefit from a revitalized backfield duo capable of challenging defenses across the league.
On the other hand, the key challenge remains keeping Pacheco healthy and ensuring he complements rather than replaces Gibbs’ growing role. For now, the Lions appear to have added depth and versatility to their offense, offering optimism tempered by caution. The effectiveness of this move will likely unfold as the season progresses and Pacheco settles into Detroit’s system.
