David Montgomery’s Future in Detroit? Brad Holmes Isn’t Hiding from the Big Questions
NFL general managers tend to keep things close to the vest-especially when it comes to player movement. But Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes isn’t most GMs, and he certainly didn’t play coy when asked about David Montgomery’s future with the team.
In a refreshingly candid moment, Holmes acknowledged what many had already noticed: Montgomery’s role in the offense took a significant dip this season. And while Holmes didn’t outright say Montgomery is on the trade block, he came pretty close.
“Obviously, I know it was a tough year for him in terms of the lack of touches,” Holmes said. “I'm not going to say I went into it planning for it to be that way… What's the best plan for him moving forward? Is that somewhere else, or whatever the case may be?”
That’s not the kind of quote you usually hear from a GM unless the door is already cracked open. Holmes added that he hopes Montgomery stays and praised his contributions, but the message was clear: the Lions are exploring their options.
And just like that, any trade leverage the Lions might’ve had took a hit. When a GM publicly admits a player’s role has diminished and that a change of scenery might be on the table, other teams take notice-and start circling.
Montgomery’s Diminished Role, But Not Diminished Value
Montgomery may not have had the volume this season, but he still showed flashes of what made him a prized free-agent pickup just a year ago. Even while running into loaded boxes-he faced the fifth-highest rate of eight-plus defenders among backs with at least 90 carries, per Next Gen Stats-he ranked 11th in Rushing Yards Over Expected per attempt.
Translation: he was still getting more than what was blocked for him, even in tough situations. That’s the kind of stat that jumps off the page for teams looking to add a physical, efficient runner to their backfield.
The Lions’ offense shifted this year with the emergence of Jahmyr Gibbs, and that undoubtedly impacted Montgomery’s usage. But it didn’t erase his ability.
He’s still a tough, downhill runner who can grind out yards and wear down defenses. And with a new offensive coordinator coming to Detroit, Montgomery could be wondering if his role is going to shrink even further.
If he’s looking for a fresh start, there’s already one team being linked to him-and it’s a familiar contender.
Chiefs Could Be a Natural Fit
According to Alex Ballentine, Montgomery could be a logical trade target for the Kansas City Chiefs-a team that may be reshaping its backfield this offseason. With both Kareem Hunt and Isaiah Pacheco set to hit free agency, the Chiefs could be in the market for a reliable, cost-effective veteran. Montgomery fits that mold.
He’s under contract for just $3.5 million this upcoming season-a manageable number for a team with Super Bowl aspirations and a need for backfield stability. And with his role in Detroit trending downward, a move to Kansas City could offer Montgomery a meaningful role on a championship-caliber roster.
From the Lions’ perspective, if they do decide to move him, sending him to the AFC would be a logical preference. Trading Montgomery out of the conference eliminates the risk of seeing him twice a year-or worse, in the playoffs.
What Comes Next?
Holmes didn’t say Montgomery will be traded. But he also didn’t shut the door on it. That kind of transparency is rare in the NFL, and it signals that real conversations are happening behind the scenes.
Whether Montgomery stays in Detroit or lands elsewhere, one thing is clear: he’s still got value. He’s still producing in tough situations. And he’s still a player who can help a team win games-especially one that knows how to use him.
The Lions have some decisions to make. And based on Holmes’ comments, they’re already deep in that process.