David

Montgomery

It’s a pay raise for Montgomery, who can make $16.5 million over two years. Per KPRC'2 Aaron Wilson, Montgomery’s upgraded contract also includes a $6.5 million signing bonus along with a fully guaranteed $1.5 million base salary for 2026, while his 2027 numbers will include a base salary of $7.5 million with $2 million of that guaranteed. Montgomery was previously owed non-guaranteed money for each of the next two seasons. The soon-to-be 29-year-old running back was acquired from the Lions in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick and figures to be the RB1 of the Texans’ backfield in 2026.

Just days after it was reported that Montgomery wanted out of Detroit — a report he refuted — the veteran running back is now on his way to Houston. The soon-to-be 29-year-old will presumably take over as the Texans’ RB1 this season with Joe Mixon likely on the way out, and Woody Marks an early candidate to handle more of a passing-downs role. Montgomery rushed 343 times for 1,491 yards and 20 touchdowns in his final two seasons in Detroit while catching another 60 passes for 533 scoreless yards. Barring an extension, Montgomery will enter 2026 with two years left on his contract with a chance to earn another deal in 2028. In addition to Scruggs, the Texans also sent a 2026 fourth-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Lions.

Montgomery took to his X account to quote a report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that he wanted out of Detroit. The veteran running back wrote in his post, “Damn, Dmo told you that?” Suggesting reports of his desire to leave the Motor City are untrue. It’s not the first time we’ve seen players refute a report like this, and it won’t be the last. It’s also not uncommon to learn later down the road that these reports were true even if they didn’t come from the player himself. Either way, what we can confirm is that Montgomery had a career low in carries (158) and rushing yards (716) last season with the Lions and is under contract for two more seasons. With the Lions reportedly willing to move him for a Day 3 pick in this year’s draft, it’s possible his time with the team could come to an end whether he wants it to or not.

Montgomery “wants out” per Fowler, and Fowler connects him to the Seahawks if Seattle fails to re-sign Kenneth Walker. There’s an argument to be made that Montgomery would be an easy second place to Walker in the free agent rankings if he were actually a free agent. His workload has been kept low by years of splitting snaps with Jahmyr Gibbs, and he’s still in his late prime entering his age-29 season. The buzz continues to point towards Montgomery being moved.

It sure sounds like the Lions could move on from Montgomery in a trade. Entering his age-29 season, Montgomery could emerge as a solid fantasy RB2 in the right situation this offseason. This Lions enter the offseason roughly $10 million over the cap, releasing Montgomery would free up $3.5 million. It is also possible that Montgomery simply wants a bigger role than he had down the stretch during Jahmyr Gibbs’ takeover. Montgomery had 10 or more carries just once after Week 10. Holmes said: “We’d love to have him ... But obviously a player has to want to be at a certain place as well.”

Montgomery joined the Fantasy Football Happy Hour at Super Bowl week and expressed optimism when discussing new Lions OC Drew Petzing. The 28-year-old running back said Petzing knows exactly what needs to happen next season, possibly alluding to more touches for himself. Montgomery had 185 carries and 38 targets in 2024, but those numbers dipped to 158 carries and 29 targets in 2025. Lions general manager Brad Holmes said the team would discuss Montgomery’s future this offseason at his season-ending press conference and it seems like the former Bears third-round pick is on board with the Lions’ plan for 2026.

Montgomery is under contract through 2027. The Lions can save $11.26 million by cutting him this offseason, while taking on $8.6 million in dead money. Holmes adds that the Lions “love” Montgomery and believe “he deserves to be in a situation where his skill set can be utilized.” Montgomery operated as the team’s No. 2 running back this season, totaling 182 touches—far fewer than the 221 and 235 he logged in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Lions could choose to look for a complementary power back to partner with RB Jahmyr Gibbs in the draft this offseason.

The 716 yards on the ground were Montgomery’s fewest in his seven-year career, with the down season also the first time in his career in which he has failed to notch at least 1,000 yards from scrimmage. Montgomery really saw his usage take a hit after head coach Dan Campbell began calling offensive plays, topping out at 10 carries in a game after the middle of November. Still ostensibly in his prime as he enters his age-29 season, Montgomery’s only real crime was “not being as good as Jahmyr Gibbs.” He’d bounce back to low-end RB2 status if he got back to his 2024 workload, but we have our doubts that will happen.

Montgomery was questionable due to illness for Thursday’s game, but it seemed the Lions’ offensive line/Vikings’ front seven had more to do with the ineffectiveness. It’s an increase in production to his awful 14-yard effort against the Steelers, but that’s obviously faint praise. Montgomery is a RB3 at best for Week 18 against the Bears.

Montgomery was added to the injury report early Thursday morning with an illness but is apparently well enough to play against the Vikings. There is the potential for Jahmyr Gibbs to see a slight uptick in snaps and usage considering the illness. St. Brown saw his practice involvement monitored on the short week but is also active. Inactive for the Lions are OL Trystan Colon, OL Taylor Decker, DL Tyler Lacy, WR Dominic Lovett, S Avonte Maddox, OL Michael Niese, and DL Mekhi Wingo.