The Detroit Lions are facing some big personnel decisions as they enter a long offseason, and one insider believes the team could overhaul their backfield.
The Lions found an effective combination with running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, but the duo struggled over the final stretch of the season as the team lost four of their final six games and missed the playoffs for the first time in three years.
Rainer Sabin of the Detroit Free Press believes there could be some changes on the way, with the Lions looking at their veteran as potential trade bait.
Lions Facing Many Questions
Sabin noted that the Lions have a lot to address on offense, especially with lineman Taylor Decker potentially headed to retirement. He suggested the Lions could alter their approach to the running game, trading Montgomery and finding a different partner for Gibbs.
“So many questions pertaining to the depth chart exist heading into this offseason,” Sabin wrote. “Will left tackle Taylor Decker, who is contemplating retirement, play next season? Will center Graham Glasgow, who has a $8.44 million cap hit in 2026, be back? Are the Lions going to trade David Montgomery and find another No. 2 running back to pair with Gibbs?”
General manager Brad Holmes hinted at a potential trade for Montgomery, saying in his season-ending press conference that they envisioned a bigger role for the veteran running back, but would now need to evaluate his future with the team.
“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. So, those are discussions that we’re going to have to have a lot more depth in terms of, what’s the best plan for him moving forward. Is that somewhere else, or whatever the case may be.”
Montgomery has been an effective running back since entering the league with the Chicago Bears in 2019, rushing for 6,115 total yards with 59 touchdowns and adding 231 receptions for 1,890 yards and four receiving touchdowns.
While Montgomery topped 1,000 yards with the Lions in 2023, his production dwindled over the course of the season and he topped 60 rushing yards just twice over the final 12 games.
Changes at the Top for Detroit
The Lions already made one of the biggest changes to their offense, firing offensive coordinator John Morton after just one season at the helm. Head coach Dan Campbell took over play-calling duties during the season, a dire sign for Morton.
SI.com insider John Maakaron suggested that the Lions could promote wide receivers coach Scottie Montgomery, who might be more inclined to keep David Montgomery.
“Detroit’s rushing attack also has the opportunity to get back on track after a down season. Part of the plan could be to convince David Montgomery to return for one more season,” Maakaron wrote. “[Scottie] Montgomery is quite close with the running backs unit. Last season, when [David] Montgomery suffered an MCL injury, his position coach immediately showed up at his house to support him.”
Lions Could Trade 6,000-Yard RB in Offseason Overhaul