The Chicago Bears have made a remarkable comeback, transforming from the bottom of the NFC North to champions in just one season, rekindling some classic rivalries along the way. One of those is with the Detroit Lions, a team that now features former Bears running back David Montgomery.
Montgomery's move to Detroit after leaving Chicago in 2022 sparked mixed feelings among Bears fans, who saw it as a misstep by their front office. Now, with the Lions eyeing a roster revamp at the tail end of their championship window, Montgomery's future in Detroit is uncertain as free agency looms.
Lions’ Salary Cap Dilemma and Montgomery’s Future
Montgomery finds himself in a precarious position. The Lions initially signed him to a three-year, $18 million deal in 2023, later extending it with a two-year, $18.25 million contract in 2024.
This was a nod to his impressive 1,015-yard, 13-touchdown season and his leadership in the locker room. However, his performance dipped last season to 716 yards and eight touchdowns, leading to questions about his value against an $8.3 million cap hit.
Looking ahead, Montgomery's cap hit remains $8.3 million for 2026 but jumps to $10.2 million in 2027. This increase complicates the Lions' financial strategy, especially with the need to secure fellow running back Jahmyr Gibbs. ESPN’s Dan Graziano suggests Gibbs might command a contract similar to Saquon Barkley’s, with an annual average of around $20.6 million.
Currently, Detroit is $9.6 million over the salary cap, necessitating some financial juggling. Restructuring contracts for key players like Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown is on the table, and Montgomery might be next in line for a pay cut, a notion supported by Gibbs’ recent comments expressing the team’s desire to keep Montgomery around.
Accepting a reduced salary is never easy, but it seems likely for Montgomery if he wishes to stay in Detroit. Meanwhile, the Bears have fortified their rushing attack with Kyle Monangai and D’Andre Swift, but Montgomery’s journey remains a compelling storyline in the Lions-Bears rivalry. Whether he stays or moves on, his career is poised for another chapter, potentially starting in 2026.