Lions waive Kerryon Johnson after 3 seasons

The Detroit Lions cut running back Kerryon Johnson after three seasons, the team announced Thursday.

Johnson became expendable as a result of the rushers Detroit has added this offseason, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports. The Lions brought in Jamaal Williams and drafted Jermar Jefferson to bolster a backfield already featuring D'Andre Swift.

The 24-year-old began falling out of favor in Detroit's crowded committee last season. The Lions opted to use veteran Adrian Peterson and Swift as their primary backs instead during the 2020 campaign.

Detroit selected Johnson in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, but he hasn't started more than seven games in any of his three professional seasons. The Auburn product's numbers have declined since he rushed for 641 yards during his rookie campaign.

Johnson compiled 403 rushing yards in 2019 before recording just 181 yards on the ground last year.