Kenyan Drake Is on Lions' Radar, But Contract Demands May Be Too High

The Lions tried to acquire running back Kenyan Drake last season. Is he a realistic acquisition at this time?

John Maakaron | Mar 9, 2020

Running back Kenyan Drake is a player the Arizona Cardinals would like to bring back in 2020.

The biggest issue is that Drake may not be willing to take the "hometown discount" in order to return to Arizona.

According to reports, Drake is seeking at least $8 million per season.

At that rate, Drake would likely not be re-signed by Arizona.

"Kenyan Drake is an obvious one to watch for the Lions since they tried to get him last year," Chris Burke of The Athletic tweeted last week.

Kenyan Drake is an obvious one to watch for the Lions since they tried to get him last year.

But my sleeper pick is LeSean McCoy. Matt Patricia has faced him a ton and has a lot of respect for what he can offer as a playmaker. https://t.co/wY2w2qRaTK
— Chris Burke (@ChrisBurkeNFL) March 5, 2020

Detroit general manager Bob Quinn has attempted to sign free-agent running backs the past two seasons to help bolster the Lions' rushing attack.

On both occasions, Quinn has been unsuccessful in finding a complementary running back to pair alongside Kerryon Johnson.

Detroit could look to this year's draft, but Quinn has made it known that his preference is to acquire talent through free agency.

Improving the run game would go a long way towards helping Detroit win more games in 2020.

Last season, Detroit's run game finished 21st in the league.

Drake started the 2019 campaign with the Miami Dolphins.

A year ago, Drake rushed for 817 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 170 carries. He also contributed 345 receiving yards.

In Detroit, his dual-threat potential would be a welcome addition.

If his demands become more reasonable, Drake would be a solid free-agent signing for Quinn and Co. in their pursuit of turning things around in 2020.

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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!