Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs spoke openly about wanting Montgomery to return, saying, “Of course I want David back. The whole team would want David back, but it’s ultimately up to him. He’s going to do what’s best for him and his family and whatever he decides to do I’m going to support 100%. But of course we want him back, though.”
Two anonymous NFL executives believe Montgomery will draw significant trade interest this offseason. They cited his experience and ability to break tackles as qualities that could attract multiple teams, noting that Holmes is likely to explore Montgomery’s value in the coming weeks, including discussions at major league gatherings in Indianapolis.
If the Lions trade Montgomery before June 1, they would incur about $4.9 million in dead money but gain $3.5 million in salary cap savings. If the move occurs after June 1, the cap savings rise to $6 million while dead money falls to $2.4 million, shaping a key financial decision for Detroit’s roster construction.
Holmes has indicated Montgomery’s skill set could be more effectively utilized in another market, acknowledging the need for candid conversations about fitting the player wherever that may be. He emphasized respect for Montgomery and the possibility that the best outcome might involve him landing elsewhere if it serves his career.
Montgomery’s 2025 season represented several career lows: 158 rushing attempts and 716 rushing yards, with the first dip below 10 carries per game. A Bears third-round pick in 2019, he signed a three-year, $18 million contract with the Lions in 2023, positioning Detroit to weigh his value against the team’s evolving offensive plans.
As Detroit navigates cap challenges and Gibbs’s growing role, the Lions’ front office will balance a potential Montgomery trade against the need to maximize Gibbs’s opportunities and sustain a competitive roster. Ongoing discussions at league events and internal evaluations will shape Detroit’s approach in the coming weeks and months.
