The Detroit Lions arguably boast one of the best running back situations in the NFL with the duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, both of whom are under contract through 2025, ensuring their continued presence. However, the backup spots behind them are less certain heading into the future. Both Craig Reynolds and Jermar Jefferson are set to become free agents in 2025, and it’s unclear what role rookie running back Sione Vaki will play.
If the Lions decide not to retain either Jefferson or Reynolds, they may want to consider adding a veteran backup, especially given the injury history of both Montgomery and Gibbs over the past couple of seasons.
In a piece predicting the future of New England Patriots’ pending free agents, Cam Garrity of Patriots Wire suggests that the team will not re-sign running back JaMycal Hasty and anticipates the veteran landing with the Lions on a one-year, $1.75 million contract.
Hasty joined the Patriots and managed to secure a roster spot by outperforming Kevin Harris, but he has struggled to make a substantial impact. With Antonio Gibson and Rhamondre Stevenson under contract, and the recent signing of Terrell Jennings, the Patriots are unlikely to retain Hasty, especially with Harris likely returning for training camp.
Prediction: Lions, one-year, $1.75m
Hasty has served as a reliable backup for several years and brings dual-threat capability due to his receiving skills. Over his five seasons in the NFL, the undrafted free agent has averaged 4.0 yards per carry, with 60 receptions for 375 yards and two touchdowns.
In 2024, Hasty’s role was limited as the No. 3 back, where he posted 20 carries for 69 yards (3.5 yards per carry) and 10 receptions for 59 yards. Although his numbers weren’t impressive, it’s worth noting that the Patriots had a subpar offensive line.
The most likely outcome for the Lions is bringing back Reynolds and/or Jefferson to maintain the current setup. However, if neither is retained, it’s possible the team could target a veteran like Hasty.
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Lions’ Jack Fox Breaks NFL Record with Impressive 46.2 Net Yards per Punt This Season
In a season where the Detroit Lions punted the fewest times in the NFL, Jack Fox still managed to set an incredible record. The Lions punted only 45 times in 2024, but when they did, Fox was nothing short of extraordinary, averaging 46.2 net yards per punt. This not only led the league but also set a new NFL record, surpassing the previous mark of 46.0 yards set by Johnny Hekker of the Los Angeles Rams in 2016.
Fox also led the NFL with an impressive 51.0 gross yards per punt. However, it’s the net yards that truly highlight a punter’s skill, as it takes into account factors like hang time and directional accuracy, making punts more difficult to return.
A key factor in Fox’s success this season was the strategy of Lions coach Dan Campbell, who rarely asks his punter to work from plus territory. While some coaches may call for punts from inside the opponent’s 45-yard line, Campbell’s philosophy is clear: once the Lions cross the 50-yard line, they rarely punt.
Though Fox may not be the primary reason for the Lions’ success this season, his remarkable performance has certainly contributed to the team’s overall strength. For any coach, having a punter of Fox’s caliber is invaluable—even one like Campbell, who admittedly doesn’t enjoy punting much at all.
