The Detroit Lions find themselves at a pivotal crossroads this offseason, with the future of running back David Montgomery hanging in the balance. After a disappointing 2025 campaign that saw the team miss the NFL postseason for the third consecutive year, all eyes in Detroit are now on general manager Brad Holmes and the crucial decisions looming over the roster. The most pressing question? Whether Montgomery, who has been a key piece of the Lions’ backfield tandem, will remain in Honolulu blue or seek greener pastures elsewhere.
Montgomery’s situation is emblematic of the tough choices NFL teams face in the salary cap era. The 28-year-old running back, who joined the Lions on a three-year, $18 million deal in 2023 after four seasons with the Chicago Bears, experienced a notable decline in production last season. He logged just 158 carries for 716 yards and eight touchdowns—career lows across the board—and, for the first time in his career, averaged under 10 carries per game. This drop in usage did not go unnoticed by Montgomery or the Lions’ brass.
"Obviously, I know it was a tough year for him in terms of the lack of touches. I'm not going to say I went into it planning for it to be that way. So, those are discussions that we're going to have to have a lot more depth in terms of, what's the best plan for him moving forward. Is that somewhere else, or whatever the case may be," Holmes said during his season-ending press conference, as reported by Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. Holmes’ candor about Montgomery’s future signals a willingness to consider a trade if it aligns with the player’s best interests and the team’s evolving needs.
The Lions’ backfield dynamic has shifted dramatically with the emergence of Jahmyr Gibbs, the 2023 first-round pick who seized the lion’s share of carries last season. Gibbs racked up 243 carries for 1,223 yards and 13 touchdowns, establishing himself as the centerpiece of Detroit’s ground game. The chemistry between Gibbs and Montgomery has been a highlight for fans, with the duo affectionately dubbed "Sonic and Knuckles" for their complementary styles and close relationship.
Despite rumors swirling about Montgomery’s potential departure, Gibbs has been unequivocal in his support for his backfield partner. At the Pro Bowl Games last week, Gibbs told the media, "Of course I want David back. The whole team would want David back, but it's ultimately up to him. He's going to do what's best for him and his family and whatever he decides to do I'm going to support 100%. But of course we want him back, though." That sentiment, echoed by teammates and coaches alike, underscores the respect Montgomery commands in the locker room—even as his role has diminished.
Still, the business side of football looms large. Montgomery’s cap hit for the 2026 season is set at $8,370,833, with an even steeper $10,245,833 hit in 2027. The Lions, eyeing flexibility to extend other young stars, must weigh the financial implications of keeping a veteran running back whose usage is trending downward. According to multiple league sources, Detroit could save $3.5 million in salary cap space by trading Montgomery before June 1, though they would incur $4.9 million in dead money. If they wait until after June 1, the cap savings increase to $6 million, with only $2.4 million in dead money—a tempting proposition for a front office looking to maximize every dollar.
Anonymous NFL executives believe Montgomery will attract significant trade interest. "With his experience and ability to break tackles, several teams could be interested in trading for his services. Detroit will learn much more about Montgomery’s trade value in the next couple of weeks," one executive told Heavy Sports. Another added, "This is now Jahmyr Gibbs’ team, and that offense is not going to limit his carries. I expect Brad Holmes to have many conversations in Indianapolis about trading Montgomery." The consensus is clear: Montgomery remains a valuable asset, but his fit in Detroit’s future plans is far from guaranteed.
Montgomery himself has maintained a professional, team-first attitude throughout the speculation. During Super Bowl week, he spoke in "we" terms when discussing the Lions, suggesting he’s not actively seeking a trade. However, as Holmes noted, "He deserves to be in a situation where his skill set can be utilized, and so, yeah, would love for it to be here, but if it can't be here then you’d just love to see where could work out best for him." That mutual respect could pave the way for an amicable parting if both sides agree it’s time for a change.
The decision may also hinge on the vision of newly hired offensive coordinator Drew Prezting, who joined the Lions in January 2026. Prezting’s approach to the running back rotation and his plans for integrating both Gibbs and Montgomery will be a key factor in the final outcome. If Prezting sees a path to maximizing both players’ talents, Montgomery’s return becomes more plausible. If not, the Lions may look to recoup assets and clear cap space by moving on from the veteran back.
Montgomery’s career arc has been one of resilience and adaptability. Drafted 73rd overall by the Bears in 2019, he posted a 1,000-plus yard season in Chicago before signing with Detroit. His first year as a Lion in 2023 was a triumph, as he rushed for 1,015 yards and 13 touchdowns, forming a formidable duo with Gibbs. The subsequent decline in touches and production, however, has cast uncertainty over his future in the Motor City.
For now, the Lions’ offseason narrative is dominated by the Montgomery question. Will Detroit double down on its youth movement and hand the reins fully to Gibbs? Or will they find a way to keep one of the NFL’s most respected running backs in the fold for another playoff push? As Holmes and his staff weigh their options, one thing is certain: the coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the Lions’ identity for 2026 and beyond.
With trade talks expected to heat up as the NFL calendar turns toward free agency and the draft, fans should keep a close eye on Montgomery’s status. Whether he stays or goes, his impact on the Lions—both on the field and in the locker room—will not soon be forgotten. The offseason drama in Detroit is just getting started, and the outcome of the Montgomery saga could set the tone for the franchise’s next chapter.