David Montgomery Disputes Trade Report as Lions Explore Options
David Montgomery denies requesting a trade from the Detroit Lions, but the team is exploring trade options due to financial pressures and the emergence of Jahmyr Gibbs.
David Montgomery is pushing back against an ESPN report claiming he requested a trade from the Detroit Lions this offseason.
"Damn, Dmo told you that?" Montgomery posted on X, seemingly referring to himself in third person and questioning the outlet's sourcing.
But the Lions aren't waiting around. Detroit has reportedly begun assessing Montgomery's trade value, hoping to land a "decent Day 3 pick" in a potential deal, according to ESPN.
Financial Pressure Mounting
The Lions are over the salary cap by just over $12 million with free agency set to begin within a week. Trading Montgomery would free up $3.5 million in cap space—though the team would absorb $4.8 million in dead money if the deal happened before June 1.
Montgomery's contract is manageable: he's owed $6 million for the 2026 season, with a two-year, $18.25 million extension kicking in after that.
Diminishing Production
The 28-year-old's 2025 season showed signs of decline. He rushed for 716 yards—a career low—on a respectable 4.5 yards per carry, adding eight rushing touchdowns and 192 receiving yards.
His first two seasons in Detroit told a different story: 1,790 rushing yards, 25 touchdowns, and 458 receiving yards across 28 games.
Gibbs Rising, Montgomery Declining
Jahmyr Gibbs has emerged as a three-down back and potential cap priority. The running back finished in the top 10 in all-purpose yards again this season and is due for a contract extension. If Gibbs lands a deal making him one of the league's highest-paid at his position, moving Montgomery becomes an even easier financial call for Detroit.
