David Montgomery is gone, and suddenly the Lions’ backfield has a void behind Jahmyr Gibbs. If Detroit wants to keep its offense balanced and dangerous in 2026, finding the right veteran running mate isn’t optional — it’s essential.
With the news of the Detroit Lions trading David Montgomery to the Houston Texans, the Lions suddenly find themselves thin behind star back Jahmyr Gibbs and in need of a quality backup running back to bolster the roster for 2026. Montgomery’s departure creates a clear vacancy for a veteran who can stabilize the second spot on the depth chart, contribute in a committee, and perhaps even spell Gibbs in key situations. Below are the top three veteran fits via free agency — and why they’d make sense for Detroit using age, production, skill set, and recent performance.
1. J.K. Dobbins – Dynamic Rusher with Efficiency Upside
J.K. Dobbins (born Dec. 17, 1998) is 26 years old — still young by NFL running back standards and entering what should be his athletic peak. Over the course of his NFL career, Dobbins has posted 3,024 rushing yards and 25 rushing touchdowns while averaging an impressive 5.2 yards per carry when on the field.
What makes Dobbins an intriguing fit for Detroit is his pure running ability and efficiency. When healthy, he’s one of the more explosive backs in the league and has consistently put up strong yards-per-carry figures — registering a 5.0 average in 2025 before an injury cut his season short.
The main concern with Dobbins has been durability; he’s battled injuries throughout his career, including a significant foot issue in 2025 that sidelined him for multiple games. That said, as a backup in a committee role, Detroit wouldn’t need him to handle a full workload to be impactful. With Gibbs entrenched as the feature back, Dobbins’ explosiveness and ability to generate chunks on early downs and goal-line work would be an excellent complement — assuming he can stay on the field.
Pros: Younger, explosive runner, high yards per carry.
Cons: Injury history could limit availability.
2. Nick Chubb – Proven Veteran Power Back
Nick Chubb, likely 29 years old for the 2026 season, represents a different kind of value compared to Dobbins. Over his career, Chubb has been one of the most productive and consistent rushers in the NFL. His 7,349 career rushing yards and 54 touchdowns speak to his reliability and skill as a workhorse back.
Chubb’s playing style is physical and between-the-tackles oriented — a contrast to Gibbs’ speed and agility. Even in limited roles the past couple of seasons, Chubb has shown he can still be a force, rushing for 506 yards in 2025 and contributing in both rushing and receiving when opportunities are there.
However, Chubb’s recent injury history (multiple missed games due to a broken foot and other issues) and age are factors that could temper expectations. Still, as a veteran presence, Chubb would provide Detroit with a tough, dependable runner who can handle short-yardage, third-down, and situational carries. He’s exactly the mold of a veteran backup who doesn’t need workhorse snaps to make an impact.
Pros: Proven production, physical runner, leadership.
Cons: Older, injury history could limit snaps.
3. Kenneth Gainwell – Versatile Receiving Threat
Unlike Dobbins and Chubb, Kenneth Gainwell offers a more multi-dimensional skill set. At around 27 years old in 2026, Gainwell has carved out a role as a receiving back and complement to lead rushers. In 2025 with the Steelers, he posted 537 rushing yards with a solid 4.7 yards per carry, 73 receptions for 486 receiving yards, and three receiving touchdowns, showing he can be a weapon in both facets of the game.
Gainwell isn’t necessarily a workhorse runner, but his versatility makes him highly valuable in today’s pass-heavy NFL. He can spell Gibbs on passing downs, help move the chains, and provide a mismatch matchup against linebackers. His consistent availability — playing 17 games in 2025 — is a big plus after a career where he’s shown durability and growth.
Pros: Reliable, versatile as both runner and receiver, fewer injury concerns.
Cons: Not built as a three-down workhorse.
Conclusion
With Montgomery now in Houston, the Lions have a real opportunity to add a complement to Jahmyr Gibbs that strengthens their backfield in multiple dimensions. J.K. Dobbins offers explosiveness and upside behind a strong line, Nick Chubb brings rugged reliability and a history of production, and Kenneth Gainwell delivers versatile offense with his receiving skills.
Each player fits a different scenario, but all three would give Detroit capable veteran depth while they explore draft options. The key will be balancing cost, role expectation, and injury risk when determining the best veteran fit in free agency.
Let me know if you want a similar list of rookie options to pair with Gibbs through the draft!