As the Detroit Lions gear up for another offseason, one of their biggest decisions revolves around running back David Montgomery. Montgomery has been a crucial part of the Lions' backfield, forming a dynamic duo with Jahmyr Gibbs that ranks among the NFL's elite. But with a reduced role in 2025, his future in Detroit is now uncertain.
General Manager Brad Holmes recently hinted at the possibility of Montgomery's departure. "He’s a good football player, and we wish we could have utilized him more last year.
Dan (Campbell) and I both feel that way," Holmes shared. "He deserves a situation where his skillset can shine, whether that's here or elsewhere."
Given the circumstances, Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit has identified Montgomery as a potential cut candidate this offseason. If the Lions decide to move on, they might explore trade options first. However, Montgomery's remaining $18 million contract could be a sticking point for interested teams.
Three franchises that might show interest in Montgomery, either via trade or free agency, include the Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, and Houston Texans.
Seattle faces uncertainty with Kenneth Walker potentially hitting free agency. While Walker's return is likely, a competitive market could drive his price beyond the Seahawks' comfort zone, leaving a gap at running back.
The Broncos are dealing with their own free agent dilemma with J.K. Dobbins. Despite his strong performance last season, Dobbins' recurring injury issues might lead Denver to seek a more reliable option.
In Houston, the running back situation is equally complex. The Texans are expected to part ways with Joe Mixon after he missed the entire last season, leaving them in need of a veteran presence to pair with Woody Marks.
Montgomery's power running style makes him an ideal fit for both Houston and Denver, complementing Marks and Harvey, respectively. Meanwhile, if Seattle needs to replace Walker, they might be better off pursuing a more explosive back to pair with Zach Charbonnet, assuming he's back to full strength in 2026 after his ACL injury.
As the offseason unfolds, Montgomery's next destination remains one of the more intriguing storylines to watch.