The Detroit Lions have not officially listed David Montgomery for trade but acknowledge the complexity of his situation. On February 24, during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, general manager Brad Holmes outlined the organization’s desire to keep Montgomery in their running back rotation for the upcoming season, while emphasizing that the final outcome depends largely on Montgomery’s willingness to remain with the team.
Holmes expressed optimism about retaining Montgomery, stating,
“Kind of want to put last year in the rearview and just move forward. But obviously, a player has to want to be at a certain place as well. So those conversations are still fluid and we’ll just kind of see how it goes.”
This highlights the Lions’ recognition that the player’s perspective is a crucial factor in determining his future.
A critical deadline approaches as the new NFL league year kicks off on March 11 at 4 p.m. ET, marking the official start of free agency and the trade window. This imposes a firm timeline for the ongoing discussions regarding Montgomery’s status.
Brad Holmes’ Comments Indicate Relationship and Role Are Central Issues
Holmes did not confirm that Montgomery requested a trade, nor that the Lions are actively seeking one. However, the acknowledgement that
“a player has to want to be at a certain place”
suggests that the team’s evaluation goes beyond pure performance, incorporating the player’s satisfaction with his role and the relationship with the organization.
Montgomery’s reduced role last season provides context for this uncertainty. Having shared running back duties with Jahmyr Gibbs in previous years, Montgomery clearly moved into a less prominent role in 2025, serving as a No. 2 option. His season statistics reflected this shift, posting career lows with 716 rushing yards, 158 attempts, 182 total touches, and 908 yards from scrimmage throughout the season. Notably, he failed to surpass 10 carries in any of the last eight games, underscoring his diminished presence in the Lions’ offense.
In contrast, Jahmyr Gibbs emerged as the offensive centerpiece with 320 touches, accumulating 1,839 yards from scrimmage and scoring 18 touchdowns. This usage disparity highlights a change in the team’s offensive hierarchy, which appears to have influenced Montgomery’s outlook.
Contract Status Adds Complexity to Decision-Making
Montgomery’s contract situation complicates the Lions’ choices. In October 2024, he signed a two-year extension worth $18.25 million, including a base salary of $5.49 million for the 2026 season and $1.75 million guaranteed for the year, according to SpoTrac. While this salary is not minimal, it also doesn’t represent an insurmountable cap figure that would prevent the Lions from reallocating funds if they choose to move on.
The combine setting allows Lions executives and Montgomery’s representatives to engage in direct and substantive conversations. Holmes characterized discussions with Montgomery’s agent as “healthy dialogue,” though he refrained from providing further details. This environment facilitates evaluation of the player’s market value and helps both sides explore potential outcomes as the trade window approaches.
Support From Coaching Staff Provides a Potential Path Forward
Lions head coach Dan Campbell made a strong, emotionally charged case for retaining Montgomery. Although Campbell has given Montgomery space during the offseason, he made his support unmistakably clear.
“But certainly he knows how I feel,”
Campbell said, also noting that offensive coordinator Drew Petzing “loves” Montgomery.
“I mean, who wouldn’t? This guy, he’s a heck of a back… David’s a pro, so we’ll figure this out.”
This endorsement reflects the coaching staff’s view that despite a disappointing 2025 season, Montgomery’s role could be enhanced with new offensive leadership, suggesting stability and stronger opportunities in the upcoming year.
The primary question remains whether Montgomery is prepared to trust this new direction or if he prefers to pursue a team where he might claim a more prominent role rather than serving as a secondary option behind the ascending Jahmyr Gibbs.
Approaching Key Deadlines Will Determine Montgomery’s Future
The resolution to Montgomery’s status will likely hinge on timing rather than dramatic statements. Detroit faces a narrow window before March 11 to reach an agreement with Montgomery concerning his role or to decide on alternative paths that allow both the player and the team to move forward without lingering uncertainty.
Holmes described the situation as “fluid,” a term in NFL parlance that often signals that a decision is imminent as deadlines approach and pressure mounts. The coming days will be critical for finalizing Montgomery’s place with the Lions or setting the stage for a potential trade or free-agent move.
