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Detroit Lions 2026 Running Back Tandem Ranked Among Best in NFL

Detroit Lions feature one of the top running back tandems in National Football League.
John Maakaron|
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) misses a pass intended for him against Pittsburgh Steelers LB Patrick Queen (6)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) misses a pass intended for him against Pittsburgh Steelers LB Patrick Queen (6) | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions are hoping the addition of running back Isiah Pacheco in free agency will boost the productivity level for a unit that also features Jahmyr Gibbs.

CBS Sports recently ranked the NFL's top running back tandems, and the Lions' came in at No. 6, behind the Dolphins, Bills, Saints, Falcons and Rams.

"The Detroit Lions are clearly all-in on Gibbs after giving him all 17 starts last year -- and for good reason. He is a top-five most dynamic player in the NFL by total yards from scrimmage. Pairing him with Isiah Pacheco instead of Montgomery probably diminishes the backfield's overall upside by a touch, but the newcomer is no slouch," writes Carter Bahns. "Pacheco opened his career with 830 rushing yards in 2022 and 935 the following year, which is right about on par with Montgomery. If he rekindles some of that magic, the Lions won't miss a beat on the ground."

Now in Detroit, Pacheco feels like he is wanted. The Chiefs made the decision to add Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker to the roster, leaving the decision to sign with Detroit an easy one for the 27-year-old.

"I feel wanted. Now is the time to build off the previous years," Pacheco told local Detroit reporters at his introductory press conference earlier this month. "You're going to have doubters, it comes with it. It's how you perform and how you react and I know that I'm willing to give it all, 110 percent, and that's what I love to do."

Pacheco is a two-time Super Bowl champion, but is still not satisfied. He expressed he had a positive early interaction with head coach Dan Campbell and is looking forward to doing whatever is needed to help the offense.

Another pass-catching running back, who also has the ability to gain tough yards should give new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing additional options in short-yardage situations.

"Whether it's punting the ball, wherever it's at. Don't matter where I'm at on the field. Cheering the guys on, bringing excitement to the team and bringing the leadership, accountability," said Pacheco. "I'm a two-time champ and I'm not satisfied though. That's something that I'm not satisfied with. I'm more hungrier than I ever was and I'm ready to get to work."

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John Maakaron
JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!

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