The Chicago Bears, under head coach Ben Johnson, emerged as surprising frontrunners in the NFC North last season, establishing themselves as serious contenders. As the offseason unfolds, trade rumors involving running back David Montgomery could provide Chicago with a strategic benefit in the division’s competitive landscape. Montgomery, currently with the Detroit Lions, reportedly seeks a trade, presenting an opportunity for the Bears or other NFC North teams to capitalize.
Ryan Poles, Chicago’s general manager, stands to benefit from Montgomery’s dissatisfaction with the Lions. ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler has reported that Montgomery is eager to move on from Detroit, and the Lions may be willing to release him for a modest price, possibly a Day 3 draft pick. For Bears fans, the prospect of facing Montgomery less frequently in divisional matchups is a welcome development given his strong performances against Chicago.
Impact of Montgomery’s Departure on Detroit and the NFC North
The Lions experienced a significant setback last season after failing to replace former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Drew Petzing, who now leads Detroit’s offense, faces the challenge of reviving a rushing attack that once ranked among the league’s best. While Detroit dominated the ground game in 2023 and 2024, the shift away from Montgomery in favor of Jahmyr Gibbs contributed to a decline in rushing efficiency last year.
Montgomery’s influence is clear when analyzing rushing statistics. His average of 4.5 yards per carry with Detroit surpasses the 3.9 yards per carry he posted with the Bears. Petzing’s offense relied on Montgomery’s ability to consistently gain tough yards, creating openings for Gibbs to exploit defenses with his speed and agility. Detroit’s lack of depth behind Gibbs—limited to backups Sione Vaki and Jacob Saylors—heightens the risk in losing such a dependable veteran running back.
Montgomery’s performances against his former team have been notably strong, averaging 5.3 yards per carry and nearly 69 yards per game in five contests versus Chicago since joining Detroit. These figures emphasize how valuable his absence would be for the Bears in divisional showdowns, further enhancing their competitive position.
Looking Ahead: Division Dynamics and Team Outlooks for 2026
The Bears face a challenging schedule as defending NFC North champions in 2026 and will have to prove that last season was more than a one-off success. Meanwhile, the Lions, navigating an easier schedule, will aim to rebuild and return to prominence. Losing Montgomery may prove a costly error for Detroit as they attempt to regain footing in the division.
Increased trade chatter about Montgomery reflects broader NFC North dynamics, where roster moves can significantly shift competitive balance. Chicago’s front office will carefully monitor developments, eyeing opportunities to strengthen their roster and maintain leverage against their divisional rivals. With Montgomery’s future uncertain, the Bears could find an edge that supports their contention in upcoming seasons.
“According to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, the former Bear is through with the Lions. He wants to be traded, and given the reasonable price tag the Lions have put on him (a Day 3 pick), it shouldn’t be long before they find some takers.” ?Jeremy Fowler, ESPN Insider
“Montgomery has always taken things personally when going against his former team. He’s averaging a whopping 5.3 yards per carry and 68.8 yards per game in five outings vs. the Bears since joining the Lions.” ?Unnamed Source
