Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs has emerged as the undisputed leader of the Lions’ backfield heading into the 2026 season after the team traded away veteran David Montgomery to the Houston Texans. This move, completed during the offseason, grants Gibbs an expanded role and control over most of the rushing and receiving opportunities. Last year, Gibbs was already heavily featured, playing 67% of the Lions’ snaps and ranking as the top running back in full-PPR fantasy leagues in 2024. He maintained elite production through 2025, finishing as the RB3 overall with 1,223 rushing yards, 77 receptions for 616 yards, and 18 total touchdowns across 17 games.
With Montgomery’s repurposed playing time largely transferring to Gibbs, Detroit may add a secondary back to complement him, but none are expected to match Montgomery’s previous workload or talent. This development highlights Gibbs’ rising status and projects him as a strong fantasy favorite to claim the number one rookie running back spot for 2026, underpinning his emerging dominance in the Lions backfield.
Veteran Offensive Line Shakeup: Graham Glasgow Released
The Lions announced the release of offensive lineman Graham Glasgow, freeing up approximately $5.6 million in salary cap space for 2026. Glasgow, 33, was originally drafted by Detroit in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Michigan. After spending four seasons with the Lions, he played three seasons with the Denver Broncos before returning to Detroit in 2023. Glasgow appeared in 15 games (14 starts) last year, but the team has decided to move on with younger options. Though his prime years may be behind him, his experience will likely attract interest from other teams seeking veteran depth on the interior offensive line.
David Montgomery Trade Marks New Chapter with Texans
The Houston Texans acquired David Montgomery from Detroit in a multi-asset trade that included offensive lineman Juice Scruggs and draft picks. At 28 years old, Montgomery remains a productive presence despite a reduced role in Detroit. In 2025, he totaled 716 rushing yards, 192 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns, ranking as the RB27 in full-PPR leagues—his lowest career finish, though he has maintained consistent annual performance above that level. Houston plans for Montgomery to compete for the lead back job behind rookie Woody Marks, who had a modest rookie season with a 3.6 yards-per-carry average and two rushing touchdowns.
Texans’ general manager Nick Caserio hopes Montgomery will revitalize the backfield much like Joe Mixon’s breakthrough season in Houston in 2024, when he totaled 1,325 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns. While Montgomery is more valuable in redraft formats given his age, he remains a reliable RB2 or RB3 in dynasty leagues. Conversely, Marks may see a decrease in value, but could become a compelling buy-low target for dynasty managers concerned about Montgomery’s presence.
David Montgomery’s Desire to Leave Detroit
Reports surfaced that Montgomery has expressed a desire to move on from the Lions. Despite being under contract for the 2026 season at a salary of approximately $6 million, his reduced role and increasing competition from Gibbs have limited his opportunities. The Lions reportedly seek at least a mid-to-late round draft pick in exchange. The Seattle Seahawks have been mentioned as a logical destination, especially if they lose free-agent running back Kenneth Walker III. Over the past two seasons in Detroit, Montgomery’s carries and impact have steadily declined, culminating in a career-low 158 rushing attempts in 2025 and reduced offensive involvement after Week 8.
“want a decent Day 3 pick”
–Brad Holmes, Detroit Lions General Manager
Jahmyr Gibbs’ Rising Stardom and Fantasy Impact
Entering his fourth NFL season, Jahmyr Gibbs has firmly established himself as one of the league’s elite running backs. During the 2025 campaign, the 23-year-old tallied 1,839 total yards from scrimmage and 18 touchdowns on 320 touches over all 17 games. He averaged nearly six yards per touch for his career and achieved back-to-back seasons exceeding 1,800 scrimmage yards with 18 total touchdowns.
After splitting time early in his career, Gibbs took full command of the Lions’ backfield in 2025, starting every game and recording career highs in receiving targets (94), receptions (77), and receiving yards (616). The team now appears to fully rely on him as a featured offensive weapon in 2026, where his dual-threat ability as a rusher and receiver projects him as an exceptionally valuable dynasty fantasy running back entering his prime years.
Taylor Decker Commits to Return for 2026 Season
Veteran Lions offensive tackle Taylor Decker confirmed he will play the 2026 season, ending speculation about possible retirement. Decker posted the announcement on his Instagram account following a period of reflection, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Now 32 years old, Decker has missed some time in recent years due to injuries but remains a highly effective lineman. Drafted by Detroit in 2016 as the 16th overall pick from Ohio State, he has started all 140 games he has played with the Lions and earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2024.
Decker’s return is a critical boost for the Lions’ offensive line unit and quarterback Jared Goff, reinforcing stability as Detroit attempts to build around its core offensive talents.
Ongoing Discussions Between Lions and David Montgomery
Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes confirmed ongoing negotiations with Montgomery and his agent. Holmes described the dialogues as “healthy” but “fluid” as the Lions evaluate the backfield’s future. Cutting Montgomery would save $3.5 million but would leave the team with little experienced depth behind Gibbs. Montgomery’s role diminished significantly over the 2025 season, limiting him to 158 carries for 716 yards and scoring eight rushing touchdowns while catching 24 passes for 192 yards.
“Those conversations are still fluid, and we’ll just see how it goes.”
–Brad Holmes, Detroit Lions General Manager
If Montgomery remains on the roster, he is likely to serve in a backup role with touchdown-dependent upside unless Gibbs incurs injury. Otherwise, a trade could open playing time for younger options behind the star back.
Jameson Williams’ Breakout Second Half of 2025 Season
Receiver Jameson Williams displayed significant fantasy upside in the latter half of the 2025 season after a slow start. The 24-year-old caught only 16 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns through the first seven weeks but followed with 49 receptions for 828 yards and five touchdowns in the final 10 games. The shift corresponded with head coach Dan Campbell taking over play-calling duties and the season-ending injury to tight end Sam LaPorta. Williams is competing for targets alongside star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and could face reduced volume if LaPorta returns healthy in 2026.
Williams continues to grow as a dynamic playmaker and should remain a valuable fantasy asset, especially in dynasty formats.
Jared Goff’s Consistent Production in 2025
Quarterback Jared Goff maintained his status as a top fantasy signal-caller in 2025. He completed 68% of his passes, throwing for 4,563 yards, 34 touchdowns, and eight interceptions while losing possession on five fumbles. Goff ranked ninth overall among fantasy quarterbacks, marking his fourth straight top-10 fantasy finish. Despite losing offensive coordinator Ben Johnson midseason and the team missing the playoffs, Goff’s steady play helped preserve his fantasy value.
Although he lacks rushing upside, Goff’s high accuracy and judicious decision-making keep him competitive in redraft leagues. Dynasty managers might contemplate selling high on Goff due to the potential for future regression, though his current performance remains solid.
David Montgomery’s Declining Fantasy Value Heading into 2026
Since joining the Lions as a free agent in 2023, David Montgomery has been a key contributor, but his fantasy value is fading. The 28-year-old saw his role shrink significantly in 2025 as Gibbs assumed the lead back role. Montgomery’s workload declined, especially in the final half of the season, rarely exceeding eight rush attempts per game over his last eight contests.
Lions GM Brad Holmes hinted that the team might move on from Montgomery, reflecting concerns over his durability and capacity to handle an RB1 workload at this stage of his career. If Montgomery remains in Detroit, his fantasy profile will likely revolve around touchdowns with limited yardage upside unless circumstances change due to injury or other developments.
Isaac TeSlaa’s Late-Season Emergence Suggests Potential Role Expansion
Rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa showed promising signs in the closing weeks of 2025, catching eight of 12 targets for 119 yards and two touchdowns over the last three games. His performance earned him a WR17 ranking in half-PPR formats during that stretch. If he solidifies the role of the Lions’ third receiver behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, TeSlaa could provide WR3/flex appeal and serve as an important dynasty handcuff.
TeSlaa’s trajectory raises the possibility of increased opportunity in 2026, making him a player worth monitoring for fantasy managers interested in developmental upside.
