Photo Credit: Michael Reaves/Getty Images.
Following the NFL combine, there have been rumblings around the NFL lately on whether or not David Montgomery will be a Detroit Lion next season, and they are not completely unfounded.
After a career best year with Detroit in 2023, Montgomery’s usage and statistics declined. He went from 219 carries, 1,015 yards, and 13 touchdowns to 185 carries, 775 yards and 12 touchdowns the following year. However, his receptions went up from 16 to 36, which sort of makes up for his lack of touches in the ground game. The following season though, he had his worst season production wise, with just 158 carries, 716 yards, and 8 touchdowns, while his receptions also went down from 36 to 24. Obviously the numbers are fine, given his touches, but Montgomery wants a bigger role, and the Lions may not be able to offer that.
Montgomery seems to have qualms with his usage, as it was recently reported that he “wants out” of Detroit. He somewhat refuted those claims via an X post, when he said “Damn, Dmo told you that?” in response to a post claiming he had officially asked out, seen below.
This response somewhat refutes the report, but doesn’t fully shut it down. Montgomery seems to want to stay, but Brad Holmes recently made comments that he wants Monty back, but that he needs to “want to be here” which gleans to the report being correct.
Either way, the Lions, and Montgomery, have a decision to make on where he will play next season. In my opinion, all signs point to him playing elsewhere in 2026.
Whether or not he will get traded isn’t necessarily the conversation we are having here, though. The question is; should the Lions trade him? I think so, and I’ll tell you why.
While I love David Montgomery as a person and a player, the NFL is unfortunately a business, and the good business decision here would be to move on while you can still get value for him.
Montgomery is 28 years old, and will turn 29 in June, which is usually around the time running backs start to see a decline. However, Montgomery’s play is not the reason the Lions are likely moving on, it’s the explosion that Jahmyr Gibbs has seen the last two seasons.
When you have a running back as good, and as young as Gibbs, you want the ball in his hands as often as possible, which takes it away from Monty. The Lions will also have to back up the Brinks truck for Gibbs soon, as he will likely get a contract worth north of $20 million per year. Which just adds to the fact Montgomery is likely on his way out, as he counts $8.3M and $10.2M against the cap over the next two years.
Montgomery will count $8.37 million against the cap in 2026, and would save the Lions around $6 million if traded. Now, that number alone isn’t worth getting rid of Montgomery, but when you factor in everything, it makes more sense. He’s aging, on an expiring deal, and still good enough you could get some value back. His $10 million cap hit in 2027, when he will be 30, is yet another reason this move makes sense.
The reports are Montgomery would likely net a 5th round pick, which is decent value considering his age and position. Especially considering the Lions lack of draft capital.
I also believe the Lions would be smart to either sign a replacement in free agency, or the draft. One of my favorite options is Brian Robinson Jr. Currently a free agent, just 27 years old, and has a very similar style to Montgomery. He also could likely be had for around $3 million per year, which would still save the Lions $3 million per. Detroit could also draft one, which would likely be a later pick. One of my favorites this year is Kaytron Allen, who actually somewhat resembles Monty. He will likely be gone earlier than we will pick a back though, even though the Lions held an informal meeting with him. Either way, it wouldn’t be a huge task to replace him.
All in all, Montgomery is great, but the Lions would be smart to move on and net some capital in the meantime. Contending teams can’t afford to hold onto players for sentimental value.
SCENARIO:
GAIN: 5th round pick, +$3M in 2026, +$10M in 2027, Brian Robinson Jr.
LOSE: David Montgomery.
As much as I love Monty, this would be a huge win for the Lions, and just makes sense for everyone involved. You get a younger and cheaper option in Robinson, while netting a 5th round pick and at least a couple million saved every year.
With everything said, we may have seen the end of the Sonic & Knuckles era in Detroit.
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