I didn't like the deal at first, especially after failing at signing a legit O line FA. But... Lacey if in shape , is a proven commodity at the RB position. The Hawks do not have that on the roster right now. He also has a deserved reputation as a big back who consistently breaks tackles at the LOS and gets positive yards, even at 900 pounds. If the O line doesn't make a huge leap forward, this is the guy PC wants so the offense at least doesn't loose yardage on running plays. We all saw what Lacey can withstand when Kam hit him at full speed a couple of years ago, name another back that could have spun off that and gained more yards.
I wish the Hakws were in a position to move up and grab Leonard Fournette in the draft to be the replacement for ML, but that isn't going to happen. Lacey on a one year prove it deal, I'm OK with that. He isn't ML, and never will be, doesn't have the breakaway speed, but he can be a reliable above average pounder back that this offense under PC demands. As of yesterday, they didn't have that guy on the roster.
Now they need to draft O line like it's going out of style to finish the commitment to running the ball.