If you’re looking for a little bit of optimism that Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery will stick around in 2026, you’ve come to the right place.
Montgomery is in California for the media blitz that is Super Bowl week, and while joining NFL Network’s coverage, he talked about being in a running back duo with Jahmyr Gibbs. It certainly sounded like that was something he views as pretty important to him.
“The really good teams have the rarity of having two really good guys (at running back),
and Jahmyr is one of, if not the best, running backs in the league, and I believe I’m a damn good back myself,” Montgomery said. “Every chance I get to showcase myself, I will.
“I just think having us both together and us both being as selfless as we are, I think it’s really important. It’s something special to be a part of.”
There’s been some rumormongering this offseason about Montgomery’s future with the team, with some suggesting Montgomery may want out where he can be featured more. While he remains under contract through the 2027 season after signing an extension in 2024, his role diminished this past season after the Lions ran the ball less frequently and featured Gibbs more. Lions general manager Brad Holmes added fuel to the fire when he admitted there were some things the two sides needed to talk through regarding Montgomery’s future with the team.
“Those are conversations that we’re going to have to have because I’ve got a lot of respect for that player,” Holmes said. “He deserves to be in a situation where his skillset can be utilized, and so, yeah, would love for it to be here, but if it can’t be here then you’d just love to see where could work out best for him.”
At this point, there have been no reports that Montgomery has requested a trade nor are that the Lions are shopping him. But with a new run-heavy offensive coordinator in town and some hopeful words from Montgomery, it’s possible the running back duo of Sonic and Knuckles return in 2026.
