Trade rumors are swirling around David Montgomery after a reduced 2025 workload, conflicting reports and cap implications. Is Detroit weighing a fresh start — or doubling down on a proven, physical playmaker?
There has been persistent speculation this offseason about whether the Detroit Lions and running back David Montgomery are headed toward a parting of ways.
The conversation initially heated up late last season, when Lions general manager Brad Holmes said the organization would have “in-depth discussions about running back David Montgomery’s future,” comments that opened the door to questions about a possible trade or release. Holmes revisited the topic during media availability at the NFL scouting combine, striking a more supportive tone while also acknowledging lingering uncertainty.
“We love David … we’d love to have him,” Holmes said. “Kind of want to put last year in the rearview and just move forward.”
Still, the speculation has not quieted.
The 28-year-old Montgomery posted modest numbers in the 2025 season but saw his workload diminish at times as the Lions leaned more heavily on a committee approach. He finished the season with 158 rushing attempts for 716 yards, a 4.5 average, and eight rushing touchdowns across 17 games.
While his efficiency remained respectable, Montgomery’s touches dipped compared with previous years, and he was used less consistently in short bursts and certain game scripts. His pass-catching contributions were also limited, with fewer targets and receptions than in some prior seasons.
At times, Montgomery appeared frustrated by his role. He briefly liked a social media post suggesting he should be traded before unliking it once the interaction went viral. That moment fueled speculation that he was unhappy with his workload and role in the offense.
More recently, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported that Montgomery “wants out” of Detroit and that the Lions would seek draft compensation — potentially a fifth-round pick — in return. The report quickly gained traction across league circles.
Rumors even surfaced that the Kansas City Chiefs had inquired about Montgomery’s availability. Montgomery addressed the chatter directly on X, formerly Twitter, with a brief message: “Damn, Dmo told you that?” The post appeared to push back against the narrative that he was actively seeking a departure.
The truth likely falls somewhere in the middle.
Despite whispers of discontent, Montgomery has been a respected presence in the locker room and one of the team’s most physical offensive weapons. His bruising running style complements Detroit’s offensive identity, and he has repeatedly shown an ability to deliver tough yards between the tackles. Even with a reduced role, he provided valuable depth and situational power in short-yardage and red-zone opportunities.
From a financial standpoint, the decision to trade Montgomery becomes more nuanced as the Lions balance roster construction and salary-cap management.
If Detroit were to trade Montgomery before June 1, the team would incur roughly $4.9 million in dead money from prorated bonuses and guarantees, but would save about $3.5 million against the 2026 salary cap by removing his $8.37 million cap charge. A post-June 1 trade would reduce the dead-money hit to about $2.4 million, increasing the team’s cap savings to around $6 million. In short, Detroit could free up between roughly $3.5 million and $6 million in 2026 cap space, depending on when or if the move occurs.
For a team with playoff aspirations and a need for reliable depth at running back, Montgomery’s value goes beyond raw numbers. Injuries quickly expose the thinness at the position, and Montgomery has been durable throughout his tenure in Detroit.
While it is fair to acknowledge that Montgomery may prefer a larger role, there is no definitive indication that he plans to force the issue publicly. League sources describe him as a team-first player who has handled his role professionally.
Ultimately, the Lions must weigh the financial flexibility of moving Montgomery against the on-field stability he provides. Saving up to $6 million in cap space and acquiring a late draft pick are tangible benefits, but for now, Holmes’ comments suggest Detroit is more focused on moving forward together rather than moving on separately.