If David Montgomery Moves On, Here Are 5 Free Agent RBs Who Could Fit in Detroit
As the dust settles on a disappointing 2025 season for the Detroit Lions, one of the biggest questions looming over the offseason is the future of running back David Montgomery. After a year where his usage dipped and frustrations occasionally bubbled to the surface, speculation about a potential trade has picked up steam.
General manager Brad Holmes didn’t exactly slam the door shut on the idea. When asked directly about Montgomery’s future, Holmes acknowledged that conversations would need to happen - and left the impression that if Montgomery wants a change of scenery, the team might be open to it.
So far, there’s been no public trade request from Montgomery, and his recent comments during Super Bowl week didn’t sound like a player actively trying to force his way out. Still, the Lions are clearly in evaluation mode, and that includes how they want to structure their backfield alongside rising star Jahmyr Gibbs.
New offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, who just came over from Arizona, was asked about Montgomery’s role going forward. While he couldn’t speak definitively about roster decisions, he had high praise for the veteran back.
“I obviously watched him play in this offense for a number of years and think he brings a lot to the table,” Petzing said. “A lot like (Jahmyr) Gibbs, he’s a dynamic back who can affect the game with the ball in his hands.
He’s really a three-down back. There’s not a lot you’re going to look at him and say, ‘He can’t do this’ or ‘He can’t do that.’”
That sounds like a coach who’d be happy to have Montgomery in the room - but ultimately, those decisions rest higher up the chain. If Holmes and Montgomery do decide to part ways, the Lions will need to find a capable complement to Gibbs. Someone who can handle tough yards, pass protect, and keep the offense balanced.
Let’s take a look at five free-agent running backs who could be on Detroit’s radar if Montgomery is moved.
5. Zonovan “Bam” Knight
Knight is a name Lions fans might remember from 2023, when he was a late preseason pickup after being waived by the Jets. He didn’t see much action before a shoulder injury ended his season, but his familiarity with the team - and more importantly, with Petzing - makes him an intriguing option.
Knight spent 2024 bouncing between the Jets’ practice squad and the Cardinals, where he eventually found himself in a significant role due to injuries. Over eight games before going down with an ankle injury, he averaged just over 50 yards from scrimmage per game, added 21 catches, and scored four total touchdowns.
Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, but they came in Petzing’s system - and that matters. He’s a restricted free agent, but if Arizona doesn’t tender him, Knight could be a cheap, familiar fit who already knows what the new OC wants from the position.
4. Nick Chubb
Chubb may not be the same player who once terrorized defenses in Cleveland, but he’s still got something left in the tank. After battling injuries the last two seasons, he spent 2025 with the Texans in a reduced role - logging 122 carries for 506 yards and three scores across 15 games.
What makes Chubb an interesting option is his history with Petzing, who was on Cleveland’s staff from 2020 to 2022. That familiarity could make a short-term reunion appealing if the Lions are looking for a veteran presence to share the load with Gibbs.
At this stage of his career, Chubb likely won’t command a big contract. But in a limited role, with a strong offensive line in front of him, he could still be effective - and provide the kind of physicality Detroit likes in its backfield.
3. Najee Harris
Harris’ 2025 season never really got off the ground. A July 4 fireworks accident led to a bizarre eye injury that disrupted his offseason, and then a torn Achilles in Week 3 with the Chargers sidelined him for the year.
That said, Harris has a track record. He ran for over 1,000 yards in each of his four seasons with the Steelers and ranked fourth in yards after contact during that stretch, per Pro Football Focus. He’s also flashed some ability as a pass catcher, even if it hasn’t been a major part of his game lately.
If Harris is healthy - and given the timing of his Achilles injury, he should be ready for Week 1 - he could be a strong candidate to bounce back. He may seek a larger role elsewhere, but if those opportunities don’t materialize, Detroit could be a great landing spot for a one-year prove-it deal.
2. Kareem Hunt
Hunt isn’t the explosive dual-threat he once was, but he’s carved out a niche as a reliable short-yardage back. Over the last three seasons, he’s punched in 24 rushing touchdowns - 21 of them from five yards out or closer. That’s the kind of red zone production coaches love.
He also quietly posted a 57.1% success rate last season, which ranked sixth among qualified backs. While his role in the passing game has diminished, he’s still averaged 7.8 yards per catch over the past two years - not far off from Gibbs' 8.0 average last season.
If the Lions are looking for someone to handle the dirty work between the tackles and convert goal-line chances, Hunt could be a smart, low-cost option to fill the Montgomery role.
1. Brian Robinson
Robinson’s 2025 season was quiet, but that wasn’t necessarily his fault. After being traded to the 49ers just before the season, he found himself buried behind a healthy Christian McCaffrey and finished with just 92 carries and 190 snaps.
The good news? He’s entering free agency with fresh legs and relatively low mileage for a 27-year-old. Robinson hasn’t topped 200 carries since his rookie year and showed some sneaky pass-catching ability during his time in Washington - hauling in 56 receptions over two seasons at a clip of 9.4 yards per catch.
There’s a bit of a journeyman vibe developing around Robinson, but that doesn’t mean he can’t find the right fit. In fact, his situation mirrors Montgomery’s before he arrived in Detroit - a solid back who hadn’t quite been used to his full potential.
The Lions could look to replicate that success story on a smaller scale if they need a new No. 2.
Bottom Line
David Montgomery’s future in Detroit is still up in the air, and nothing is imminent. But if the Lions decide to turn the page, there are viable options on the free-agent market. Whether it’s a familiar face like Bam Knight, a veteran like Chubb or Hunt, or a bounce-back candidate like Harris or Robinson, Detroit has a range of stylistic fits to consider.
What’s clear is that whoever lines up next to Gibbs in 2026 will need to complement his dynamic skill set - and help keep the Lions’ offense humming.