Advertisement

Rams postseason hero C.J. Anderson agrees to one-year deal with Detroit Lions, per report

jack baer
Staff writer

C.J. Anderson came out of nowhere to become the Los Angeles Rams’ lead running back on their road to the Super Bowl last season. Now, he’ll reportedly join a somewhat crowded backfield in Detroit.

The six-year veteran agreed to a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions on Monday, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

C.J. Anderson’s winding road takes him to Detroit

After five years with the Denver Broncos, Anderson signed a one-year deal in free agency with the Carolina Panthers. There, he posted just 104 rushing yards in nine games while Christian McCaffrey dominated the backfield touches.

He was eventually released by the Panthers, then he signed a deal with the Oakland Raiders and was released again. He then signed with the Rams and promptly took off as the team’s top back for the next several weeks while Todd Gurley dealt with a nagging knee injury.

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 20: Los Angeles Rams running back C.J. Anderson (35) runs the ball for a gain during the NFC Championship Football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New Orleans Saints on January 20, 2019 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
How will C.J. Anderson fit in the Detroit Lions backfield? (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

In five games played with the Rams between the regular season and playoffs, Anderson posted 488 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Even when Gurley returned, Anderson still saw the majority of touches during the postseason.

While that unexpected performance was exciting for many, it didn’t seem to impress enough to get Anderson a multiple-year contract. Now, the 28-year-old reaches Detroit, where he’ll likely work out of a committee to try and further establish his value.

How does C.J. Anderson fit in with the Lions?

Anderson figures to be the Lions’ secondary back behind Kerryon Johnson, who broke out as the team’s top runner as a rookie last year. General manager Bob Quinn said last week that the team doesn’t view Johnson as a bell cow back, and signing Anderson seems to support that.

Also in the mix will be receiving back Theo Riddick, though he probably won’t be taking snaps from Anderson, as Riddick only posted 41 rushing yards last year.

More from Yahoo Sports: