The Lions have identified their David Montgomery replacement. Isiah Pacheco has agreed to terms with Detroit, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. 
Montgomery was recently traded to the Texans in a move which gave Houston a new lead back. He will serve as Joe Mixon‘s replacement with the Texans. Meanwhile, Kansas City made one of the most impactful RB additions of free agency yesterday by agreeing to terms with Kenneth Walker. That news confirmed Pacheco would be departing after playing out his rookie contract with the Chiefs.
The Montgomery trade left Detroit with Jahmyr Gibbs atop the running back depth chart. He is eligible for an extension this offseason, and a pact at or near the top of the position’s market can be expected. The Lions entered this week in need of inexpensive backfield depth, and Pacheco will be counted on to serve as Gibbs’ new partner.
Entering the NFL as a seventh-round pick, Pacheco made an immediate impact and became Kansas’s City’s starter as a rookie. He then took on an increased workload (205 carries) in 2023 and set new career highs across the board. Pacheco posted 935 yards and seven touchdowns that season, one which led to increased expectations. The Rutgers product was limited to just seven games in 2024, however.
Pacheco missed four contests this past campaign as well, one in which he averaged only 3.9 yards per attempt on a struggling Chiefs offense. The 27-year-old will look to bounce back with Detroit. The Lions lined up a few offensive line additions on Monday, including center Cade Mays. He and the team’s eventual Taylor Decker replacement at left tackle will make up a renovated unit along the O-line in 2026. Stronger play in that regard will of course help the Lions’ rushing attack.
Leading up to free agency, a report from SportsBoom’s Jason La Canfora named the Lions as a potential Mixon suitor. The veteran would have been a viable option to serve as Montgomery’s replacement. Instead, Detroit will use Pacheco in that capacity.
Is he gonna be tails?
Shadow
Great makeup signing for losing Montgomery. I think that Montgomery is my first choice in that role, obviously, but Pacheco can do some of the same things (namely in the inside run game) that Detroit used Montgomery for. He probably can’t do as much outside as Montgomery could, but he definitely complements Gibbs’ skillset with the ability to handle a high number of carries.
Pacheco runs hard. Good pickup.
As a Chiefs fan, I absolutely loved this kid and his grit. Although not the most gifted RB in the league, you can tell he plays his heart out on every down. I absolutely hope he has continued success with the Lions and maybe Gibbs can give him some pointers…Campbell is going to love the energy he brings to the field when he gets his carries.
Why did his numbers drop off after the ‘23 season?
Also he can plays black quite well