The Detroit Lions are at a crossroads with running back David Montgomery, and it’s a situation that’s sparking plenty of debate among fans and analysts alike. Here’s the bold truth: despite his undeniable talent, Montgomery’s role in Detroit has become a question mark, leaving many wondering if his future lies elsewhere. For years, the Lions successfully balanced the dynamic duo of Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, with both players consistently delivering over 1,100 scrimmage yards and at least 11 touchdowns each season. But 2025 told a different story—Montgomery’s playing time noticeably shrank as Gibbs continued his meteoric rise.
In January, Lions General Manager Brad Holmes floated the idea of trading Montgomery to a team where he could see more action, a move that immediately grabbed headlines (https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/lions-expect-to-discuss-trading-david-montgomery-this-offseason). Yet, despite the rumors, Montgomery still has two years left on his contract, and both Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell have expressed a strong desire to keep him in Honolulu blue.
But here’s where it gets controversial: while the Lions’ front office seems committed to Montgomery, the question remains—does he still fit into their long-term plans? Holmes recently shared that he’s been in “healthy dialogue” with Montgomery’s agent, emphasizing, “We love David. He’s a great player. We’d love to have him. We kind of want to put last year in the rearview and just move forward.” However, he also acknowledged the elephant in the room: “A player has to want to be in a certain place as well. So those conversations are still fluid.”
Campbell echoed this sentiment, praising Montgomery’s professionalism and talent: “Drew [Petzing] loves him—who wouldn’t? This guy’s a heck of a back. We’ll figure this out.” Yet, the numbers tell a story of their own. In 2025, Montgomery didn’t start a single game, finishing with 716 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns, a far cry from his 2024 stats of 775 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in just 14 games. Even more telling, his offensive snap percentage dipped to 37%, though ironically, that’s not a significant drop from the 41% he saw in 2024.
And this is the part most people miss: Montgomery’s reduced role isn’t just about Gibbs’s ascent—it’s also about the Lions’ evolving offensive strategy. With Petzing now at the helm, the team may be prioritizing versatility and speed, which could further limit Montgomery’s opportunities.
So, what’s next for Montgomery? Will he remain a Lion, or will he find a new home where he can reclaim his starting role? And more importantly, is Detroit making the right call by potentially letting go of a proven veteran? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s far from over.
