Former second-round pick running back Ameer Abdullah didn’t last four seasons with the Detroit Lions. But he’s been able to remain in the NFL for several years since departing Detroit.
Abdullah will continue his journey around the league with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2026.
The Jaguars announced signing Abdullah to their offseason roster Monday. ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed the signing on social media.
Abdullah began his NFL career as the No. 54 overall pick for the Lions in 2015. In parts of four seasons, the running back posted 1,251 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
Detroit waived Abdullah in November 2018. Since then, the running back has played for the Minnesota Vikings, Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers and Indianapolis Colts.
During 2025, Ameer Abdullah ran for 60 yards and a touchdown for the Colts. He also had 16 receptions for 99 receiving yards while playing 13 games.
Former Lions RB Ameer Abdullah Signs With Jaguars
Lions fans with great memories will recall Abdullah experiencing an incredible Lions debut in 2015. During Week 1 of that season, the running back ran for 50 yards and a touchdown on only seven carries. He also chipped in 44 receiving yards on four catches and registered 105 return yards on three kickoffs.
Abdullah appeared destined for a bright future with the Lions.
But that was arguably his best game with the team. It took Abdullah until Week 12 to eclipse 50 rushing yards again, and in that contest, he averaged only 3.9 yards per rush.
Abdullah finished his rookie campaign with 597 rushing yards and 780 yards from scrimmage. He has yet to match those totals again. Abdullah also registered a league-high 1,077 return yards and three total touchdowns.
During his third season, Abdullah rushed for 552 yards. But his efficiency plummeted to 3.3 yards per carry. He also wasn’t making the same impact as a return as his tenure went with the Lions.
The team parted ways with the former second-rounder midway through his fourth season.
To his credit, Abdullah has remained in the league as a depth running back and special teams contributor. He still returns kickoffs but also fills other roles on the unit.
In his first two seasons with the Vikings, Abdullah played at least 252 snaps on special teams. He continued to line up for at least 190 special teams snaps every year until last season.
During 13 games with the Colts during 2025, the veteran running back played 86 offensive snaps and 135 on special teams. For Indianapolis, he returned 19 kickoffs for 563 yards last season.
In Jacksonville, Abdullah is joining a roster that includes five other running backs — Bhayshul Tuten, LeQuint Allen Jr., DeeJay Dallas, Chris Rodriguez Jr. and J’Mari Taylor.
Lions Running Back Depth Entering 2026
Abdullah didn’t work out in the long run with the Lions. But the franchise found its dual-threat back in Jahmyr Gibbs during the first round a few years later.
Gibbs has been among the NFL leaders in yards from scrimmage the past couple seasons.
During 2025, the Lions found a strong kickoff returner in another running back — former undrafted free agent Jacob Saylors. On 33 returns, Saylors recorded 897 return yards.
So it took quite a few more years than it would have if Abdullah became the star the Lions hoped, but Detroit is in a good position with the areas where Abdullah contributes.
On their offseason roster, the Lions also have Isiah Pacheco, Sione Vaki, Jabari Small, Kye Robichaux at running back.
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