The Detroit Lions have certainly seen better days, and that especially applies to running back David Montgomery.
Montgomery carried the ball just four times for 14 yards in the Lions’ 29-24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, which put Detroit’s playoff hopes on life support.
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Montgomery’s usage has dipped considerably during the second half of the season, as he has registered less than 10 carries six games in a row.
It’s blatantly obvious that the Lions are heavily favoring Jahmyr Gibbs over Montgomery, who has one year remaining on his contract after this season.
Montgomery seemed to air out some frustration on social media on Tuesday, liking an Instagram comment that pushed the 28-year-old to request a trade.
“I love you bro, but you should request a trade,” the comment read. “The way they’re treating you and glazing Gibbs is atrocious. Look what happens when we don’t use you. We lose.”
Montgomery initially joined the Lions back in 2023 and enjoyed a brilliant debut campaign in the Motor City, racking up 1,015 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground while averaging 4.6 yards per attempt.
His numbers than dipped in 2024 as Detroit began to shift more toward a Gibbs-centric rushing attack, with Montgomery finishing with 775 yards and 12 scores on 4.2 yards per tote.
Through 15 games this season, Montgomery has rushed for 649 yards and eight touchdowns, logging 4.6 yards per carry.
From an efficiency perspective, the former third-round pick is actually enjoying a strong campaign, but he clearly is not getting enough touches for his liking.
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It stands to reason that the Lions could ultimately move Montgomery this coming offseason in order to prevent any drama and to completely clear the way for Gibbs, who has established himself as one of the best halfbacks in football.
Detroit is 8-7 and will face the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas.
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