Everything we know about the David Montgomery and the Detroit Lions saga

Allen Park—What began as off-season murmurs has evolved into a full-blown will-he-or-won’t-he standoff between the Detroit Lions and veteran running back David Montgomery, leaving coaches, teammates, and fans parsing every public comment for clues about the 28-year-old’s future.

The first substantive signal that a parting of ways was possible came during general manager Brad Holmes’ end-of-season media availability. While praising Montgomery’s contributions, Holmes acknowledged that “those are discussions that we’re gonna have to have a lot more in-depth in terms of what is the best plan for him going forward. Is it somewhere else? … He deserves to be in a situation where his skill set can be utilized. We’ll love it for it to be here, but if it can’t be here … then you have to just see what you can work out the best for him.”

That frank assessment followed a series of cryptic Instagram posts from Montgomery during the winter that hinted at dissatisfaction, but Holmes’ comments marked the first time the organization openly contemplated a trade.

Support inside the locker room has remained unwavering. Speaking at the Pro Bowl, rising tailback Jahmyr Gibbs told the Detroit Free Press, “Of course I want David back. The whole team would want David back, but it’s ultimately up to him. He’s going to do what’s best for him and his family.” Gibbs’ sentiment mirrors Holmes’ insistence that the decision rests with Montgomery, not the front office.

Montgomery himself has publicly embraced a two-back approach, telling reporters, “The really good teams have the rarity of having two really good guys … I believe I’m a damn good back myself. Every chance I get to showcase myself, I will.” His enthusiasm for a shared workload appeared to quell exit rumors—until the narrative flipped again.

Holmes recently confirmed he has “been in touch with David’s agent,” adding, “Look, we love David. He’s a great player. We’d love to have him … but obviously a player has to want to be at a certain place as well.” The phrasing revived speculation that Montgomery may be eyeing a fresh start.

Industry chatter crystallized at the scouting combine in Indianapolis, where multiple sources indicated the Lions would seek a mid-to-late-round draft pick—likely a fifth-rounder—for a player owed a reasonable $6 million in 2026. The Seattle Seahawks, facing uncertainty over fellow running back Kenneth Walker III’s contract status, surfaced as an immediate logical destination.

Montgomery has yet to categorically deny the trade request, a silence that has left supporters bracing for an emotional departure. With the league’s off-season transaction window accelerating, Detroit faces the possibility of breaking up a backfield tandem that, on paper, rivals any in the NFL.

For now, the saga remains fluid: a respected veteran, an appreciative front office, and a final decision that appears to rest solely in the player’s hands.