The Green Bay Packers find themselves in the heart of one of the NFL's most fiercely contested divisions. Keeping tabs on their NFC North rivals is not just a strategy-it's a necessity. This offseason, Packers fans might have a reason to smile, as the Detroit Lions could be on the verge of losing one of their key players: David Montgomery.
Montgomery's potential departure from Detroit is a storyline worth watching. Known for his time as a standout with the Chicago Bears, Montgomery has been a familiar and formidable opponent for the Packers. Despite a reduced role last season, he racked up 189 carries for 827 yards and found the end zone nine times in 13 games against Green Bay.
But Montgomery's impact isn't confined to his stats. His presence on the field creates a dynamic duo with Jahmyr Gibbs in the Lions' backfield. Montgomery's bruising style softens defenses, allowing Gibbs to capitalize on his speed and agility to create big plays.
The Packers have managed to contain Gibbs effectively, limiting him to 74 carries for 289 yards and two touchdowns over six games. Without Montgomery, Gibbs might face more challenges, as his increased workload could diminish his effectiveness late in games.
Currently, the Lions are grappling with a $9.9 million salary cap overage, according to Over The Cap. Releasing Montgomery could free up $3.5 million before June 1, with potential savings of up to $6 million post-June. While these figures might seem modest, they are crucial for a team needing to balance their books.
For the Packers, every advantage counts in the NFC North. Whether it's strengthening their own roster or capitalizing on a rival's loss, each move is pivotal. Facing the Lions without their veteran running back would certainly ease the path for Matt LaFleur's squad, who have already shown they can hold their ground against Dan Campbell's team.