The Detroit Lions have re-signed running back Kevin Smith to a one-year deal, according to a tweet from Profootballtalk.

Kevin Smith returns to the Lions on a one-year deal, per league source.

—
  (@ProFootballTalk) March 27, 2012

Smith was picked by the Lions in the 2008 NFL Draft, and has contributed 16 touchdowns for 2,212 yards with 113 receptions during his time with the Lions. Last season he recorded four touchdowns for 356 yards and had 22 receptions.

In addition to signing offensive lineman Leonard Davis, the Detroit Lions have also re-signed running back Kevin Smith, according to the team’s official website.

Smith, 24, was not offered a contract by the Lions in March and became an unrestricted free-agent. The club made the move to re-sign the former third round pick several months later as a result of the team’s need for depth at the running back position. The team’s starting running back, Jahvid Best, has been struggling to return from a concussion he suffered in Week 6 against the San Francisco 49ers.

Smith’s best season came in 2008 when he rushed for 976 yards and tallied eight rushing touchdowns for Detroit. In 2009 his yardage decreased to 747 on the ground, and in 2010 he rushed for just 133 yards and scored no touchdowns.

The Lions are currently 6-2 and sit in second place in the NFC North division behind the undefeated Green Bay Packers.