With the NFL offseason underway for most teams, essential questions are being asked regarding roster moves, and Detroit Lions star David Montgomery is part of that stack. The running back found himself in a favorable situation over the last three years, playing in a highly potent offense. However, his future with the franchise is uncertain.
Could Montgomery be out of Detroit next season?
Lions GM Brad Holme Doubts RB David Montgomery’s Future Due To ‘Lack of Touches’
Montgomery flashed his brilliance on numerous occasions in his time with the Lions, leading Detroit’s backfield in his first year with the team. Even when he was dropped to the second string behind Jahmyr Gibbs, he still delivered valuable production. However, after putting in another 700-yard performance for the second consecutive season, the Lions’ brass is evaluating his future in the city.
General manager Brad Holmes took media questions during his end-of-season press conference on Thursday. The executive addressed several matters, including Montgomery’s future.
The running back saw the fewest carries (158) of his seven-year career in the NFL this season. While his time in Detroit started on a high note, he was overtaken by Gibbs in his second year, and his usage has only dwindled ever since.
“Obviously, I know that it was a tough year for him in terms of the lack of touches,” Holmes said in his presser. “And I’m not going to say that we went into it planning for it to be that way. I thought he handled it like a pro.”
How the Lions move forward with their backfield if Montgomery were to leave remains to be seen. He might be playing second fiddle behind Gibbs, but he’s not lacking production for a backup running back. While filling a diminishing role, he still recorded 716 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, coupled with 192 receiving yards on 24 catches.
“Those are discussions that we’re going to have to have a lot more in-depth in terms of what is the best plan for him going forward,” Holmes added. “Is it somewhere else or whatever the case be. But, just really appreciate everything that he has done for us if it does end up going that way.”
The back still has the potential to fill in as a leading rusher. He has a tremendous ability to create breakaway runs, as demonstrated by his 72-yard longest run from this season.
“I hope [he stays], because we love David Montgomery,” the GM concluded. “He’s a good football player, and wish we would have been able to get more utilization from him. I know Dan (Campbell) feels the same way.”
Where Montgomery ends up will only be clarified as the offseason ramps up and teams’ backfield needs are determined.