The end of the Sonic and Knuckles era is near.
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery wants out of Detroit heading into the NFL offseason, according to ESPN.
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“And at running back, the Lions’ David Montgomery wants out, has a reasonable contract (owed $6 million in 2026) and is 28. That has value. Word out of Indy is that Detroit would want a decent Day 3 pick (possibly a fifth-rounder) in return. Seattle makes sense here if it can’t re-sign Kenneth Walker III,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports.
For what it’s worth, Monty posted the report to his X account, suggesting it may not be accurate:
Damn, Dmo told you that ? https://t.co/ttg4DY6H99
— David Montgomery (@MontgomerDavid) March 1, 2026
Montgomery is currently under contract with the Lions through the 2027 season.
It wouldn’t be a huge surprise to learn Monty would be open to joining a new team after his usage dropped significantly during the 2025 season, in favor of higher usage for Jahmyr Gibbs.
If Montgomery does exit, the Lions will likely be in the market for a running back.
Gibbs has the 5th most rushing and receiving yards in the league last year, and was fourth in rushing touchdowns.
Montgomery joined the Lions in 2023 as a free agent from the Chicago Bears. He finished the 2025 season with 158 carries for 716 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.
The NFL “legal tampering” free agency window opens on March 9.