The Detroit Lions traded away running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans earlier in the offseason. Detroit needed to find a solid number two running back behind Jahmyr Gibbs.
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Dec 25, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Chris Oladokun (19) hands the ball off to Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) during the first quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Well, Ari Meirov reported on his Twitter, “The#Lions are signing former#Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco, teaming him up with Jahmyr Gibbs. The David Montgomery replacement.” With the Lions making this move, this is a good move. Isiah Pacheco didn’t have good numbers last year in Kansas City, but the offensive line was awful. He rushed for 462 yards on 118 carries and one touchdown, along with averaging 3.9 yards per carry. Pacheco also caught 19 passes for 101 yards receiving and one touchdown, along with averaging 5.3 yards per reception.
NFL Fans Erupt Over the Detroit Lions Signing RB Isiah Pacheco In Free Agency
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Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson tackles Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023.
There are a lot of NFL fans who are erupting over the Lions signing Pacheco in free agency. This is what some fans had to say about it on Twitter:
YESSS 😭🔥 Pacheco joining the Lions with Jahmyr Gibbs? That backfield is about to be UNSTOPPABLE. Can already imagine the insane runs and highlight reels coming our way. This team is getting serious energy!
— Dsg 🎨 (@dsgaert) March 10, 2026
Detroit replaced David Montgomery with the man who just won a Super Bowl running the ball and this is the Lions upgrading at running back so quietly that nobody realized they just got significantly more dangerous
— isaiah (UI/UX Designer) (@IsaiahOdekina) March 10, 2026
Gibbs’ explosiveness with Pacheco’s physicality could be a strong combo.
— Richie | Game Intelligence (@rickky01) March 10, 2026
Can’t think of a runner much better suited for Dan Campbell than Isiah Pacheco, whose rugged style fits nicely with the #Lions.
— Kohli RCBian (@RCB_wala_Kohli) March 10, 2026
“we got david montgomery at home”
— LG 🦅 (@Zentotic) March 10, 2026
This could be a good fit here as the number two running back. There is no doubt that Detroit’s offense is tweaking things heading into the next NFL season. Pacheco is a reliable number two running back to have in this offense.
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