Could a Hometown Return for David Montgomery Give the Bengals Their Most Balanced Backfield Yet?
When you think about the Cincinnati Bengals' offseason priorities, the offense-especially with Joe Burrow at the helm-doesn’t exactly scream “urgent fix.” Burrow’s ability to elevate the unit, even when banged up or operating behind a patchwork offensive line, has been well-documented. And credit where it’s due: Zac Taylor has kept the offense afloat with backups like Jake Browning and even Joe Flacco stepping in when needed.
But just because Burrow can cover up flaws doesn’t mean the Bengals should stop looking for ways to level up. And Burrow himself knows it.
When your franchise quarterback calls this offseason “as big as it gets,” you listen. That’s not a call to focus solely on the defense or to assume the offense is a finished product.
It’s a reminder that this is a critical juncture in the Bengals’ trajectory.
Cincinnati is the only team in the AFC North returning its head coach. Stability like that is rare-and valuable.
The window to capitalize on it is open right now. Which brings us to an intriguing, if under-the-radar, possibility: Could the Bengals make a move for Lions running back David Montgomery?
A Queen City Homecoming?
Montgomery, born in Cincinnati, has been floated as a potential trade candidate this offseason. While teams like the Titans, Broncos, Jets, and Chiefs might make more immediate sense on paper, the hometown angle gives the Bengals a unique edge if they decide to explore the idea.
At first glance, running back might not seem like a top priority for Cincinnati. Chase Brown showed flashes in 2025 and is eligible for a contract extension.
But based on how the Bengals have handled deals for stars like Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Trey Hendrickson, it’s fair to wonder if Brown will get an early payday. Then there’s Samaje Perine, still on the roster and as steady as ever.
But let’s be honest: Adding Montgomery to that mix could take the Bengals’ run game to another level.
Montgomery thrived in a timeshare role in Detroit, working alongside the electric Jahmyr Gibbs. He’s used to splitting carries, and he knows how to stay effective without needing 20 touches a game. That’s exactly the kind of depth and versatility Cincinnati could use.
Why the Bengals Should Be Looking at Montgomery
Let’s talk fit-because it’s not just about bringing a hometown kid back. It’s about what Montgomery brings that the Bengals currently lack.
Start with pass protection. Cincinnati’s offensive line is finally starting to look like a cohesive unit, arguably for the first time in the Burrow era.
But the backs haven’t held up their end in pass pro. Perine and Brown struggled in that department last season, posting PFF pass-blocking grades of 39.1 and 27.7, respectively.
That’s a liability when your franchise quarterback is coming off an injury-plagued season.
Montgomery? He posted a 58.0 grade. That’s not elite, but it’s a clear upgrade-and could be the difference in keeping Burrow upright on key third downs.
And then there’s the red zone impact. Over the past two seasons, Brown has 13 touchdowns on 461 carries.
Solid. But Montgomery?
He’s punched in 33 touchdowns over the last three years on just 101 more carries. That’s what you call a nose for the end zone.
Building a Three-Headed Backfield
Imagine a backfield rotation where no one’s overworked, and everyone stays fresh. Brown as the primary option, Perine as the steady third-down guy, and Montgomery as the physical, between-the-tackles hammer who can also pass protect and finish drives.
That’s not just depth-it’s flexibility. It gives the Bengals the ability to ride the hot hand, adapt to game flow, and protect Burrow in more ways than one.
And sure, it’s not the flashiest move of the offseason. But sometimes the best additions are the ones that don’t dominate headlines. A backfield featuring Montgomery might not make waves in March, but come November, when the weather turns and playoff football looms, it could be the kind of move that helps Cincinnati control games and close them out.
The Bottom Line
The Bengals don’t need David Montgomery. But that’s exactly why the idea is so compelling.
They’re not desperate-they’re in a position to be strategic. And if they’re serious about making the most of this window with Burrow, they should consider every avenue to make the offense more balanced and more dangerous.
Montgomery brings power, experience, and a skill set that complements what the Bengals already have. And if he’s motivated by the chance to play in his hometown, that’s just icing on the cake.
Don’t be surprised if this “dark horse” idea starts to pick up steam. Because a three-headed monster in the Bengals’ backfield might be exactly what they need to take the next step.