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Lions Free Agency 2012: Kevin Smith Returning To Detroit, According To Report

Running back Kevin Smith will return to the Detroit Lions after agreeing to a one-year deal, according to Pro Football Talk's Twitter account:

Smith, who has played four seasons in the NFL, played in just seven games last season. He averaged a solid 4.9 yards per carry but, for the second straight season, couldn't stay on the field.

In 2010 Smith was returning from a torn ACL then landed on IR because of a thumb injury. Last year the Lions didn't sign him, but picked him up halfway through the season when the backfield got thin. Smith had one great game -- a 16-carry, 140-yard effort against the Carolina Panthers -- before again suffering injuries.

Over the last two seasons he has played just 13 games.

The Central Florida product had his best season as a rookie in 2008. Playing in all 16 games, he rushed for 976 yards and eight touchdowns, both career highs, and averaged 4.1 yards per carry.

For more on the Detroit Lions, check out Pride of Detroit. You can also head over to SB Nation's main NFL hub at SBNation.com/NFL.