Lions Release Jahvid Best

After sitting out all of 2012 with concussion concerns, running back Jahvid Best was released by the Detroit Lions on Wednesday, according to ESPN.com.

The Lions were hoping Best would be their running back for the future after drafting him in the first round in 2010, but after suffering two concussions, Best ended up only appearing in 22 games for Detroit and hasn’t played a down since October 2011.

“Jahvid is as fine a person and professional as I have ever worked with,” Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said. “He was the consummate teammate and always did everything asked of him. We wish Jahvid the very best in all his future endeavors and have no doubt that he will be successful in whatever path he chooses.”

With Best on the way out, recently-acquired free agent Reggie Bush now becomes the primary option in the Lions’ ground attack, which has been an area of concern long before Best joined the team.

For several years, Detroit has been known for its one-dimensional passing offense. Its lack of an effective run game has likely prevented it from having any long term success and though Bush hasn’t become the star player many thought he would after winning the Heisman Trophy in college, he has proven to be a solid, productive and versatile back in his seven seasons in the NFL.

In just two seasons with the Miami Dolphins, Bush rushed for more than 2,000 yards and scored 15 total touchdowns. That type of production at the running back position would certainly be a positive change of pace for a Lions team that ranked 23rd in the NFL in rushing yards last season.

Considering the Lions still have a lot of stiff competition in the NFC North this season, making the playoffs will be a tall order. The Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings all have playoff potential, but the addition of Bush certainly puts the Lions in a slightly stronger position.

Bovada.lv currently has the Lions at +500 to win the NFC North, so odds makers’ hopes for Detroit in 2013 aren’t very high either, but as one of the younger teams in the division and in the league, maybe it’s the Lions’ year to break out. Putting a small wager on them probably wouldn’t hurt.