Running back evaluation has emerged as one of the early themes of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, where teams are weighing contract decisions, depth chart changes, and the long‑term value of veteran contributors. The Detroit Lions are among the clubs facing those questions after a 2025 season that delivered strong production but also raised internal uncertainty about the direction of their backfield.
Lions Evaluate Options as David Montgomery’s Future Takes Shape
That conversation naturally includes David Montgomery, whose role and future have become part of a wider offseason discussion about how the Lions plan to shape the position moving forward.
Only after discussing broader roster planning did Lions general manager Brad Holmes address the growing speculation surrounding Montgomery’s future. Trade rumors have circulated for weeks, fueled by the team’s evolving offensive identity and the veteran’s uneven 2025 performance.
Holmes said the organization has remained in consistent communication with Montgomery’s representatives as the offseason takes shape.
“I’ve been in touch with David’s agent, his representation,” Holmes said, before adding that the two sides have had “healthy dialogue” this offseason.
Montgomery posted a PFSN NFL RB Impact score of 60.6 last season, ranking 31st among all running backs. His physical style and red-zone reliability have been valued in Detroit, but the Lions also watched Jahmyr Gibbs deliver one of the league’s most dominant statistical and analytical seasons.
Gibbs finished with a PFSN RB Impact score of 72.8, placing him 10th overall and reinforcing his emergence as the focal point of Detroit’s rushing attack and a central piece of its offensive future.
Holmes made clear that the Lions still appreciate Montgomery’s skill set and presence, even as the analytics and on‑field production point to a backfield increasingly shaped around Gibbs.
“We love David. He’s a great player. We’d love to have him,” Holmes said. “Kind of want to put last year in the rear view and just move forward. But, obviously, a player has to want to be in a certain place as well. So those conversations are still fluid and we’re just trying to see how it goes.”
A fresh start could ultimately benefit Montgomery, who remains a capable starter but may find a larger role elsewhere as Detroit leans into Gibbs’ explosiveness and efficiency. Still, Holmes’ comments suggest the Lions are not closing the door on a return.
Detroit is expected to continue discussions with Montgomery’s camp throughout the spring as it balances cap considerations, roster fit, and the value of maintaining veteran depth. For now, Holmes’ message from Indianapolis was measured but unmistakable: the Lions still see room for Montgomery, even as trade chatter continues to build.
