The Detroit Lions are looking to have a bounce-back season after missing the playoffs, but they could be without one of their better players. The team has one of the top running back rooms with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery aka Sonic and Knuckles, but there appears to be some unhappiness in the Motor City. Let’s take a closer look at what is being reported and what it means for the team going forward.
Detroit Lions RB David Montgomery wants to be traded this offseason
Detroit Lions, David Montgomery
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) runs the ball against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Sep 22, 2024.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler is reporting that running back David Montgomery wants out of the Detroit Lions. He has seen a reduced role in each of the previous two seasons and is looking to make a splash before becoming a free agent. Last season, he finished with 158 rushing attempts for 716 yards (4.5 yards per carry) with eight rushing touchdowns as well as 24 receptions for 192 yards (8.0 yards per catch) without finding the end zone. He ranked 31st in carries and 30th in rushing yards in 2025.
Montgomery is under contract through the 2027 season, but the Detroit Lions are reportedly open to moving him. He does not have a massive asking price either, as the Lions are seeking a Day 3 pick in return. For the Lions, this would mean essentially giving Gibbs a legitimate starting running back load and potentially drafting someone with the additional Day 3 pick to be a younger, cheaper alternative to Montgomery.
Below is the salary cap impact if Montgomery is traded this offseason:
Current 2026 cap hit: $8.37 million
2026 dead cap in pre-June 1 trade: $4.86 million
2026 cap savings in pre-June 1 trade: $3.5 million
2026 dead cap in post-June 1 trade: $2.37 million
2027 dead cap in post-June 1 trade: $2.49 million
2026 cap savings in post-June 1 trade: $6 million
It will be intriguing to see if they will get any suitors for him, as he has shown flashes of being a solid running back in the league. He is scheduled to make $5.49 million this season and $7.49 million in 2027.