The Detroit Lions decision to trade David Montgomery to the Houston Texans sent shockwaves through the Motor City. Montgomery was the physical heartbeat of Detroit’s Sonic and Knuckles backfield, and his departure leaves a massive void in the power run game. While Jahmyr Gibbs is a superstar, fans shouldn’t expect the Lions to stand pat. Between a deep free-agent pool and a talent-rich draft class, Detroit has plenty of paths to find a new running mate for Gibbs.
MORE: Lions trade David Montgomery to Texans in blockbuster move
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Jonah Coleman (NFL Draft)
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington running back Jonah Coleman (RB04) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
If the Lions want a stylistic clone of Montgomery’s bruiser mentality, Washington’s Jonah Coleman is the perfect draft target. Standing 5’9” and weighing a stout 228 pounds, Coleman is a legitimate bowling ball who thrives on absorbing contact.
He doesn’t just run through defenders; he wears them down over four quarters. With elite ball security and a patient running style, he fits the gritty culture Dan Campbell has built in Detroit. Coleman may lack elite breakaway speed, but his ability to move the chains and protect the quarterback makes him a pro-ready replacement for the heavy-duty work.
Tyler Allgeier (Free Agent)
Tyler Allgeier is perhaps the most underrated veteran available this offseason. Having spent the last few seasons in Atlanta playing second fiddle to Bijan Robinson, Allgeier has proven he can be highly efficient in a limited role. He is a high-grade runner who excels on outside zones and isn’t afraid to lower his shoulder in the trenches.
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Bringing in Allgeier would allow the Lions to maintain a true 1A and 1B dynamic, more in usage than raw talent. He’s a low-cost, high-reward veteran who has already shown he can handle double-digit carries without a drop in production.
Kaytron Allen (NFL Draft)
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Penn State running back Kaytron Allen (RB01) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
For a team that prides itself on winning at the line of scrimmage, Kaytron Allen is a dream prospect. The Penn State product is a pure North-South runner who specializes in yards after contact. Last season, more than half of his rushing total came after a defender first touched him—a stat that would make the Lions’ offensive line very happy.
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Allen is a consistent workhorse who has handled high volume throughout his college career. While he isn’t much of a threat in the passing game, his ability to punish defenses between the tackles is exactly what Detroit lost in the Montgomery trade.
Kenneth Walker III (Free Agent)
If the Lions want to make a splash move to solidify their status as Super Bowl contenders, Kenneth Walker III is the answer. The reigning Super Bowl MVP is an explosive playmaker who can score from anywhere on the field.
Pairing Walker with Gibbs would arguably create the most terrifying backfield in NFL history. While Walker is often viewed as a home-run hitter, his vision and lateral agility would thrive behind Detroit’s elite offensive line. It would be an expensive investment, but it would turn the Lions’ rushing attack into an unstoppable force.
Rachaad White (Free Agent)
Nov 9, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) hands the ball off to running back Rachaad White (1) during the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Rachaad White offers a slightly different look but fits the Lions’ scheme beautifully. White has quietly become one of the most reliable all-purpose backs in the league, excelling particularly in power and counter-run concepts: schemes that Detroit utilizes frequently.
While he is a gifted receiver, his improved efficiency as a runner makes him a viable candidate to share the load. If the Lions want a versatile veteran who can stay on the field for all three downs and give Gibbs a breather without tipping the play-call, White is a savvy free-agent target.
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