Report: Detroit Lions RB David Montgomery ‘Wants Out’

The “Sonic and Knuckles” era for the Detroit Lions might be coming to an abrupt end. According to a new report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Lions running back David Montgomery “wants out” of the Motor City. The news comes as a shock to many fans who viewed Montgomery as a perfect cultural fit for Dan Campbell’s gritty, physical team identity.

While the Lions have built one of the most fearsome rushing attacks in the NFL over the past two seasons, the internal dynamics of the backfield appear to be shifting. If the reports hold true, General Manager Brad Holmes has another significant decision to make this offseason.

Detroit Lions Have A Decision To Make

The core of Montgomery’s reported dissatisfaction seems to stem from a changing hierarchy in the offensive backfield. When Montgomery arrived from Chicago, he was the bell cow, the steady hammer that set the tone. However, the explosive emergence of Jahmyr Gibbs has undeniably altered the landscape.

Gibbs is no longer just a complementary change-of-pace back; he is a budding superstar. As the 2025 season progressed, Gibbs took on a larger share of the workload, leaving Montgomery with a diminished role. For a competitor like Montgomery, who prides himself on being a workhorse, seeing his touches decrease while he is still in his prime is understandably frustrating.

Fowler notes that David Montgomery’s contract is “reasonable,” with the veteran owed $6 million in 2026. For a player who scored eight touchdowns last season despite career lows in carries and yards, he likely believes he still has RB1 value in this league—value he might not be able to showcase in a split backfield in Detroit.

What is the Asking Price for a David Montgomery Trade?

If the Detroit Lions do decide to honor Montgomery’s reported request, they won’t be giving him away for free. The report suggests that the Lions would be looking for a “decent Day 3 pick,” likely a fifth-rounder, in exchange for the veteran back.

This price point makes sense. Montgomery is 28 years old—an age where running backs often see their value decline—but his production and relatively low mileage over the last year make him an attractive asset. A team looking for a reliable starter or a high-end committee member (Fowler mentioned the Seattle Seahawks as a potential suitor) could view a fifth-round pick as a bargain for a proven touchdown machine.

However, the situation is fluid. Montgomery seemingly pushed back on the report via social media, posting, “D***, Dmo told you that?” in response to the rumors. This adds a layer of complexity. Is he truly unhappy, or is this just offseason noise? The Lions’ front office has maintained public support for him, with both Holmes and Campbell expressing a desire to have him back.

Implications for the Lions’ Offense

Losing Montgomery would be a blow to the Lions’ identity. He brings a physicality between the tackles that complements Gibbs’ lightning speed perfectly. Without him, the Lions would need to find another “thunder” to their “lightning.”

Trading Montgomery would likely signal that the team is ready to hand the keys entirely to Gibbs, perhaps drafting a cheaper rookie to fill the short-yardage and power role. It would also free up cap space to address other needs, such as the defensive secondary or edge rusher depth.

Ultimately, this situation highlights the harsh reality of the NFL running back market. Even productive, well-liked players can find themselves on the outs as younger talent ascends. Whether Montgomery stays or goes, the Lions’ backfield will look different in 2026, forcing the team to evolve its ground game once again.