"As the Lions headed into the off-season, free-agent running back Kevin Smith was not sure about where his path would lead.

Smith made a valuable contribution this season. He had a career-high 4.9-yard rushing average and had three solid games, including a 140-yard day against Carolina, after signing off the street in the middle of the season.

But Smith struggled with a high-ankle sprain and saw his production wane in the final few games. That, plus four running backs still under contract with the Lions -- Jahvid Best, Mikel Leshoure, Keiland Williams and Joique Bell -- makes his situation sticky in Detroit.

"I'll let my agent handle that," Smith said. "I would love to be here. This is all I know, so I would love to be here. But I understand this is a business, and they're doing whatever they need to make this better. If I'm a part of that, that'll be great. If not, my career will keep moving forward.""