Back in January, it was reported that the Lions were examining what was best for the future of veteran running back David Montgomery. General manager Brad Holmes even went so far as to say that what was best may include him playing “somewhere else.” Well, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, a trade appears to be a growing possibility for the 28-year-old rusher, as Fowler claims Montgomery “wants out” of Detroit. 
Coming out of Iowa State in 2019, Montgomery enjoyed an early career as a lead back for the Bears, taking on RB1 duties in a committee that included Tarik Cohen and Cordarrelle Patterson as a rookie. In his sophomore campaign, Montgomery essentially served bell-cow duties as Chicago’s leading rusher, but ever since, he’s been forced to share the rock. In 2021, two rookies — Justin Fields and Khalil Herbert — ate heavily into his carries, resulting in the lowest rushing total of his career at that point in time. In the final year of his rookie contract, Montgomery totaled a new low (801) as Fields led the team in rushing (1,143) and Herbert continued to gain ground on him (731).
As a free agent, Montgomery signed with the division-rival Lions, who were saying goodbye to both of their leading rushers from 2022 — Jamaal Williams and D’Andre Swift. While Montgomery may have believed he had made his way back to a bell-cow situation, a month and a half later, Detroit utilized their 12th overall pick on Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs. It was right back to a split backfield for Montgomery. In their first year together, the Montgomery-Gibbs split for carries (219-182), rushing yards (1,015-945), and rushing touchdowns (13-10) were as close as you’ll see for two teammates having strong rushing seasons.
In 2024, Gibbs took over RB1 duties. Though Montgomery was still involved in one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses that season, the Gibbs-Montgomery splits for carries (250-185), rushing yards (1,412-775), and rushing touchdowns (16-12), no longer favored him. This past season, that trend continued in the wrong direction as, for the first time in his career, Montgomery didn’t start a single game all season while recording career-lows in carries (158) and rushing yards (716).
It’s no wonder, then, that Montgomery is looking for a way out. Luckily for him, the reduced usage has likely done a fair amount of good for his 28-year-old legs, and his remaining contract is fairly reasonable for a trade partner to take on. It also doesn’t sound like Detroit is asking for much in return, as Fowler reports that the team wants “a decent Day 3 pick,” meaning probably something from the fourth or early-fifth round. It should make Montgomery fairly easy to move, and give him plenty of options, should Detroit opt to take his preference into account.
Dmo denied this report yesterday on X
Did you expect him to confirm it? Lol. Doesn’t seem to have reached that point yet.
If he denied the conversation took place, then report isn’t accurate. He had no reason to respond to the report in the first place and could’ve just ignored it like most players do.
That’s simply not true. Players have denied reports/comments plenty of times only to have it come out later that they lied.
Browns will take him
Over Judkins ?
What is this garbage? He already called out the fake report on social media
To all those calling BS. I am not saying it is true that he said this. But at the the same time players do not owe you to tell the truth. Only time will tell what happens. You all are the same one probably saying Johnson and Glenn were not leaving and yet they did. AGAIN I am not saying he wants out just that you do not really know what is going in behind closed doors.
Johnson and Glenn never denied they were looking to leave. Everyone knew they wanted promotions. Monty could have easily ignored the report. He has nothing to gain by lying and denying it when reporters typically record conversations or communicate through email with ability to prove him a liar.
Perfect fit for KC.
Commanders
Don’t think they will move on, but Lions need to figure out a way to use him and Gibbs at same time. Montgomery does not look like a fun guy to tackle.
Knuckles to the Texans for a conditional 3rd/4th round pick could work. Of course the Commies, K.C, Steelers, and Chargers all make sense too.
I don’t buy this report. He has never struck me as someone who cares about anything other than winning.
I think last year was a fluke due to the new OC not utilizing him enough and that Dan Campbell knows exactly what he has in Montgomery.