The running back market in free agency should be quite crowded, and there’s also a possibility more names will be added to the list the closer we get to March.
One player who could be added to the list is Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery, who ESPN’s Aaron Schatz suggests needs a change of scenery.
That’s because Montgomery saw a dip in his role in 2025. After serving in a 1A-1B situation with Jahmyr Gibbs in recent years, Montgomery took a clear back seat to Detroit’s dynamic playmaker.
Here’s more from Schatz on Montgomery possibly playing elsewhere in 2026:
It felt as if the Lions’ “Sonic” and “Knuckles” backfield became more of the Sonic (aka Jahmyr Gibbs, 23) show as the 2025 season went along, although Knuckles (aka Montgomery) still played plenty of snaps. Montgomery only dropped from 41% of offensive snaps in 2024 to 37% of snaps in 2025, but he also dropped from 221 touches to 182. Montgomery will turn 29 in June, and the Lions might look to save some money on the cap by moving on from him this offseason. It also might be better for his career to take a lead-back role with a different team.
General manager Brad Holmes has made no promises about Montgomery’s future in Detroit and even hinted the Lions could move on from the veteran rusher this offseason.
“Those are discussions that we’re going to have a lot more in depth, in terms of, like, what is the best plan for him going forward? Is it somewhere else, or whatever the case be?” Holmes said of Montgomery’s future.
It’s conceivable the Lions could find a trade partner for Montgomery, as he’s still a starting-caliber running back and his $18 million contract isn’t exactly daunting to take on. If not, a cut becomes possible.
Two teams that could take a look at adding Montgomery via trade or free agency if he’s cut loose are the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks, both of whom have a starting running back slated to hit the open market.
The Cowboys have said they want to bring Javonte Williams back, and Williams is definitely open to staying in Dallas. However, if his price gets too high after what was a career year for him, Dallas could go in a different direction.
The same can be said for the Seahawks and Kenneth Walker, the playoff hero and Super Bowl MVP who likely saw his price go up thanks to his postseason performance.
Montgomery would be a strong bridge option for either team. The powerful runner has averaged over four yards per carry in each of the last four seasons, including 4.5 yards per tote in 2025, when the Lions’ offensive line struggled.
At 28 years old, Montgomery should still have a few good years left in him, and if things don’t pan out in 2026, he can be cut in 2027 with little pain.
If the Cowboys or Seahawks lose their lead back to free agency, pairing Montgomery with a drafted running back would be a sound approach.
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