David Montgomery has publicly dismissed rumors that he has requested a trade from the Detroit Lions, putting to rest recent speculation around his future with the team. The running back’s situation drew attention following reports that he desired to leave Detroit, though Montgomery’s response indicated otherwise.
Clarifying the Trade Speculation Around David Montgomery
On Saturday, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler reported that Montgomery wanted to leave the Detroit Lions and that the team would expect a solid Day 3 draft pick, possibly a fifth-round selection, in exchange. Fowler suggested that Montgomery’s contract and age made him a valuable asset.
And at running back, the Lions’ David Montgomery wants out, has a reasonable contract (owed $6 million in 2026) and is 28,
Fowler wrote.
That has value. Word out of Indy is that Detroit would want a decent Day 3 pick (possibly a fifth-rounder) in return.
However, after seeing the report on social media platform X, Montgomery responded sarcastically, questioning the validity of the story.
Damn, Dmo told you that ?
This reaction suggests that the rumors about Montgomery requesting a trade may be unfounded, as the running back seems uninterested in moving elsewhere.
Factors Leading to the Rumors: Shifts in Running Back Roles
The roots of the trade speculation trace back to Montgomery’s reduced role in the Lions’ offense, especially following the team’s acquisition of Jahmyr Gibbs, who emerged as the preferred option at running back. In the 2024 season, Montgomery carried the ball 185 times over 14 games. In contrast, during the 2025 season, he had only 158 touches across 17 games, signaling a clear decrease in usage.
This change in opportunity sparked rumors that Montgomery may be dissatisfied with his diminished role. Detroit’s general manager Brad Holmes addressed the situation somewhat cryptically earlier this offseason, implying there were discussions about Montgomery’s fit in the Lions’ system.
Those are conversations that we’re going to have to have because I’ve got a lot of respect for that player. He deserves to be in a situation where his skillset can be utilized, and so yeah, would love for it to be here, but if it can’t be here, then you’d just love to see where it could work out best for him,
Holmes said.
Despite these comments, Montgomery offered a more optimistic perspective during Pro Bowl week, emphasizing the positive dynamics between him and Gibbs.
I just think having us both together and us both being as selfless as we are, I think it’s really important. It’s something special to be a part of,
Montgomery told NFL Network.
Updates From the NFL Combine and What Lies Ahead
At the NFL Combine, Holmes once again touched on Montgomery’s status within the team’s plans, acknowledging the evolving nature of their conversations and the mutual aspect of player-team fit.
We love David. He’s a great player. We would love to have him. Kind of want to put last year in the rearview and just move forward. But a player has to want to be at a certain place as well, so those conversations are still fluid and we’re just kind of seeing how it goes,
Holmes revealed.
Montgomery has two years remaining on his current contract, and while he could attract interest from multiple teams, any trade would depend on Detroit’s willingness to part ways. Trading Montgomery would free $3.5 million in salary cap space for the Lions.
As the offseason continues, it remains unclear whether Detroit will move on from Montgomery or retain him as part of their roster. His denial of the trade request adds a layer of uncertainty to the unfolding situation, leaving fans and analysts watching closely for further developments.
Damn, Dmo told you that ? https://t.co/ttg4DY6H99
— David Montgomery (@MontgomerDavid) March 1, 2026
