By ISABEL BALDWIN, US ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
Published: 10:54 EST, 2 March 2026 | Updated: 10:55 EST, 2 March 2026
Detroit Lions star David Montgomery furiously denied claims that he 'wants out' of Motor City.
Montgomery, who has become lovingly known as 'Knuckles' to Lions fans, has been with the franchise for three years.
However, ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler claimed that the running back is pushing for a trade out of Detroit.
The insider reported that the Lions 'would want a decent Day 3 pick (possibly a fifth-rounder) in return' for the veteran, who is owed $6 million in 2026.
Fowler even suggested the Seattle Seahawks as a potential landing spot with the Super Bowl champions potentially in need of a running back should Kenneth Walker III leave in free agency.
But the 28-year-old shut down that report over the weekend when he hit back on social media.
Detroit Lions star David Montgomery furiously denied claims that he 'wants out' of Motor City
The 28-year-old took to social media to shut down ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler's report
'Damn, Dmo told you that?' Montgomery wrote on X, replying to a post reporting Fowler's claim.
Montgomery, who started his career with the Chicago Bears, appeared in all 17 games for the Lions last season. However, he didn't start in any, despite starting 28 over the two previous seasons.
Montgomery has seen his role diminished in Detroit's offense over the past season with Jahmyr Gibbs getting the nod ahead of him.
Montgomery had 716 rushing yards with eight rushing scores, while hauling in 24 of Jared Goff’s pass attempts for 192 yards last season.
The veteran running back had 716 rushing yards with eight rushing scores last season
Meanwhile, Gibbs has taken off since entering the NFL as the Lions’ first-round pick in 2023.
The 23-year-old had 1,412 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns, which led the NFL, in 2024.
He followed that up with 1,223 yards and 13 rushing scores, with a career-high 616 receiving yards last season.
Montgomery is under contract for two more seasons at a combined base salary of $13 million, after signing a two-year extension in October 2024.
Detroit Lions