The Detroit Lions face an intriguing offseason decision regarding running back David Montgomery, as team dynamics appear to shift around him. Jahmyr Gibbs, the Lions’ fellow running back, recently expressed his desire for Montgomery to return for the upcoming season. “Of course I want David back,” Gibbs stated, indicating that the entire team shares this sentiment. However, he pointed out that the final decision ultimately lies with Montgomery.
This development comes on the heels of speculation about potential trades involving Montgomery, which had initially gained traction when general manager Brad Holmes discussed the team’s options. Contrary to those rumors, it seems that Montgomery himself may not be as eager to leave Detroit as some believed. Recently, he praised new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, hinting at his commitment to the team and optimism about future improvements in the Lions’ offensive play.
With Gibbs emphasizing that the ball is now in Montgomery’s court, it appears that the situation could ultimately hinge on Montgomery’s preferences. He has expressed a clear desire for more touches to enhance his future earnings potential, particularly with the pay structure for running backs often diminishing as players age. The Lions are currently facing a challenging cap situation, projected to be more than $8.5 million over the 2026 salary cap, with Montgomery’s current contract presenting a significant impact at an $8.3 million cap hit.
This situation raises the possibility of a restructuring that could give both sides some much-needed flexibility. While Montgomery might be contemplating whether to adjust his contract to assist with Detroit’s cap issues, it’s important to consider that he may also be waiting to see how the franchise addresses improvements to their offensive line, which could directly influence his decision.
With hints of commitment from both Montgomery and the Lions, there exists a hopeful possibility that a resolution can be reached that maintains this productive partnership. As offseason developments unfold, fans and analysts alike will be monitoring the situation closely to see how Montgomery’s future with the Lions shapes up.