Jahmyr Gibbs
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Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs
The Detroit Lions got their offseason off to a big start, making a blockbuster move that may have had a direct message to star running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
After weeks of speculation, the Lions pulled the trigger on a trade that shipped No. 2 running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans. The Lions got a good return in the trade — while also apparently clearing the way for Gibbs to serve as the uncontested top running back.
Lions Clear Backfield Depth Chart With Trade
As ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime reported, the Lions acquired offensive lineman Juice Scruggs and two draft picks from the Texans in exchange for Montgomery. Bien-Aime noted that Montgomery was one of just five players to rush for 6,000 yards and 50 rushing touchdowns since 2019.
Despite his production, Montgomery saw his role in Detroit shrink as the season went on, Bien-Aime noted.
“Montgomery played 41% of the offensive snaps, but that dropped to 33% in Weeks 11-18, per ESPN Research. He didn’t have more than 10 carries in a game in any of the Lions’ final eight games,” Bien-Aime wrote.
That left Montgomery unhappy, leading to what Bien-Aime called “healthy dialogue” with Lions general manager Brad Holmes about his future in Detroit.
The move to ship Montgomery away will have a big impact on Gibbs, who developed into one of the league’s best running backs. Matt Harmon of Yahoo Sports noted that the move is a big sign of confidence in the former first-round pick, a likely sign that Gibbs will see a big jump in usage.
“Perhaps most important of all, you can now fully lean into empowering Gibbs, who for my money, is as good as any offensive skill-position player in the league,” Harmon wrote.
“Gibbs is a do-it-all threat who is a weapon in the receiving game, as well as a painfully underrated rusher on base downs. He’s become a smart runner who reads out his blocks well and put up monster games down the stretch as the feature back. There’s no reason he can’t handle being the focal point of this run game.”
It will also put more pressure on Gibbs, who benefited from another running back who could spell him when needed. Montgomery had the skills of a No. 1 back, a role he is expected to assume in Houston.
Lions May Need More Backfield Help
While Montgomery’s trade paves the path for Gibbs to stop splitting carries and become a bellcow running back, the team may need to replenish the backfield a bit. The Lions have a mostly unproven group behind Gibbs on the depth chart now.
Jacob Saylors is listed as a running back but saw most of his time as a return specialist, while third-rounder Sione Vaki also played heavily on special teams. The team does have Kye Robichaux on the roster, but he is still rehabbing from a season-ending injury.
The Lions could look to free agency to add a low-cost veteran running back who could get some carries behind Gibbs, especially one who can get carries in short-yardage situations.