The Detroit Lions want to keep David Montgomery in the mix for 2026, but the running back might have other plans. Montgomery wasn’t thrilled with how things played out last season after he dropped behind Jahmyr Gibbs in the pecking order.
His production took a hit across the board. He finished with career lows in rushing yards at 716, carries at 158, total touches at 182, and yards from scrimmage at 908. Those are not the kind of numbers a veteran back wants on his résumé, especially after what he had done earlier in his Detroit tenure.
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Montgomery has been a reliable contributor since joining the Lions. Across 45 games, he has piled up 562 carries for 2,506 yards and 33 touchdowns. But the workload has shifted dramatically, and it’s become clear that Gibbs is the future of Detroit’s backfield.
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) looks on before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
That reality has apparently led Montgomery to start looking for the exit. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, who reported from the 2026 NFL combine, Montgomery is ready to move on from Motown.
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“At running back, the Lions’ David Montgomery wants out, has a reasonable contract (owed $6 million in 2026) and is 28. That has value. Word out of Indy is that Detroit would want a decent Day 3 pick (possibly a fifth-rounder) in return. Seattle makes sense here if it can’t re-sign Kenneth Walker III,” Fowler said.
At 28 years old, Montgomery’s spot in the offense has shrunk considerably. Gibbs has become the centerpiece of the ground game, and the team is building around him as the primary back.
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Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) runs with the ball against Chicago Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright (26) during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Image
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That leaves Montgomery in an awkward position, particularly when his contract comes into play. He is owed $6 million in 2026, which isn’t exactly cheap for a backup role. Detroit has roster decisions to make and money to manage, especially with extensions and free agency on the horizon.
Paying Montgomery that kind of salary when he’s not producing at a high level does not add up for a team trying to stay competitive and financially flexible.
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