Lions sign Rudi Johnson, cut Tatum Bell

[tomkent53]

The Detroit Lions have confirmed that free agent running back Rudi Johnson has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the team.

Because the deal was struck after 4 p.m., after the league offices closed, the signing won't be official until Tuesday morning.

Johnson, who rushed for 1,000 yards in three straight seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals (2004-06), replaces Tatum Bell as the No. 2 running back behind starter Kevin Smith.

The Lions aren't expected to announce any roster moves until Tuesday, but Bell told a Denver television station that he's been informed that he'll be released. The addition of Johnson, an eight-year veteran, might mean the Lions will use more of a platoon system at running back.

After practice Monday, Lions coach Rod Marinelli said, "I just had a chance to watch him in some drills (during a workout) and he's impressive. He's a big, thick guy who has great feet. I played against him over the years so I know he's a very physical back. He's a guy with a lot of talent and a lot of experience.''

Source: http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf...ith_lions.html

[cruzg24]

wow this was a lightning sign, you think he's going to be the starter for the lions?

Maybe Kitna will predict a couple more wins now. lol

[tomkent53]

They can't win with Kitna at QB lol.
But they said Kevin Smith is 'the guy'....
Maybe a Taylor/Peterson like matchup in Detroit?

[P J Shaker]

Originally Posted by tomkent53

They can't win with Kitna at QB lol.
But they said Kevin Smith is 'the guy'....
Maybe a Taylor/Peterson like matchup in Detroit?

they can win with kitna...he is better than alot of people think and he happens to be the best QB in the NFC north....which isnt saying much....

johnson will start a game by week 3....i cant say that he will win the spot fulltime....but he will get a shot to....

[tomkent53]

Originally Posted by P J Shaker

they can win with kitna...he is better than alot of people think and he happens to be the best QB in the NFC north....which isnt saying much....

The best in that division, but his TD-INT stats aren't impressive.

Last season:
18 TDs, 20 INTs

Career:
147 TDs, 146 INTs

[cruzg24]

Yea I agree with PJ on this one, I think Kitna is good enough to win you 10 games. He has shown that in Cincinnati and now Detroit. If you might recall, the lions were like 6-2 last year until the Giants faced them and basically their season spiraled down from there. Watch out with Calvin as well, might have a breakout sophomore year.