Lions’ 59-TD weapon expected to make career change in 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Click here to add Sports News as your go-to source.
The Detroit Lions offense has been one of the best in football the past few seasons, and running back duo Jameer Gibbs and David Montgomery are a big reason why.
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Gibbs’ lightning speed, coupled with Montgomery’s brutal running style, the two complemented each other perfectly.
But we’ve seen Gibbs’ usage increase and David’s usage decrease, and now we’re approaching a fork in the road for the veteran. Will he stay as a backup or look for a chance to become a starter elsewhere?
For ESPN’s Aaron Schatz, Montgomery’s career might be better off with a fresh start.
“As the 2025 season progresses, it feels as though the Lions’ Sonic and ‘Knuckles’ backfield is more of a Sonic (aka Jameer Gibbs, 23) show, even though Knuckles (aka Montgomery) still plays a lot of games,” Schatz wrote. “It might also be better for his career to play a fullback role with another team.”
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Montgomery will have suitors
Yes, he’s 28 years old, but David is still very productive, albeit only second to Gibbs.
Over the past two seasons, Montgomery has rushed for over 700 yards and a total of 20 touchdowns, which is nothing to underestimate.
But David started none in 2025 after starting 14 games in 2024, so attention turned to young Gibbs, and rightly so.
Montgomery has been a great fighter for the Lions, but now may be the time to shake hands and move on to the next phase of his career. Because he’s still good enough to be a starting back in the NFL, but he can’t be with the Lions.
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