Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Zonovan Knight Spurns Jets; Joins NFC North Team

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Matthew Brown | Last updated 8/31/23

At the beginning of the offseason, Zonovan Knight looked to be in prime position for a big year for the New York Jets. Breece Hall was still recovering from his ACL injury and even when he got back, Knight would be the clear second back. The team then decided to sign Dalvin Cook which ultimately led to Knight being cut. Instead of joining the team’s practice squad, he spurned the team and joined an NFC North favorite, the Detroit Lions.

Zonovan Knight Joins The Detroit Lions

Knight has starting experience as he stepped in when Hall went down last year. The Lions got to see him firsthand last year in week 15.

“Good player. Good player, good runner,” Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn said of Knight prior to Detroit’s Week 15 matchup with the Jets. “The thing is I’ve been told by other coaches around this league that’s played against that team that he’s a really tough runner, so we understand exactly who he is.”

The Lions add to a backfield that already has David Montgomery and rookie Jahmyr Gibbs. Knight is great insurance in case someone goes down with an injury. Knight also has experience returning kicks which he could do with Detroit.

Expectations For Lions

The Lions are making sure they have a high-powered offense. While there still are some questions on defense, Detroit wants to make sure they have one of the best offensive units in the league. The NFC is wide open. The Eagles and Cowboys are the class of the conference but after that, it feels wide open. If Detroit can build off of last season’s success they could capture their first ever NFC North crown.

Can Zonovan Knight help the Detroit Lions? Both sides are hoping for a mutually beneficial relationship in 2023.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: