The Detroit Lions are at a crossroads with David Montgomery's future still up in the air. Rumors are swirling that the team might explore trading Montgomery as early as the NFL Combine this weekend.
The running back expressed dissatisfaction with his role in John Morton's offense last season, often playing second fiddle to Jahmyr Gibbs. Although Montgomery has had a chat with new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, Petzing emphasized that their conversation was just an introductory one.
Should the Lions decide to trade Montgomery, they'll need to find a new running mate for Gibbs to reignite the dynamic duo vibe reminiscent of Sonic and Knuckles. One intriguing option is Kenneth Walker III, the Super Bowl MVP who recently became a free agent after the Seattle Seahawks opted not to use the franchise tag on him.
Walker, a powerhouse in Seattle alongside Zach Charbonnet, could be an exciting addition to Detroit's lineup. However, there's a potential hitch: Walker's style mirrors Gibbs', which could create a redundancy in the backfield. The Lions might prefer a back who complements Gibbs rather than competes for carries.
Petzing's tenure with the Arizona Cardinals showcased his penchant for a ground-and-pound offense. Under his guidance, Arizona ranked second in rushing average and ninth in rushing yards from 2023 to 2025. This suggests that Petzing will want to maximize the talent in Detroit's backfield, which is already among the league's best.
If Montgomery departs, Walker's ability to explode through gaps and bulldoze through defenders would be a significant asset for the Lions. His market value is projected at $9 million annually, with a potential four-year, $36 million contract on the table. While Detroit must address other needs, such as center, tackle, and edge rusher, ensuring their backfield remains strong will be crucial if Montgomery decides to move on.