Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs wants David Montgomery back but will support him ‘100 percent’ if he seeks trade
Lions general manager Brad Holmes said following the season he would have “conversations” abut trading David Montgomery, citing that the running back deserves to be in a situation in which his skills can be fully utilized.
Running mate Jahmyr Gibbs spoke up about the situation at the Pro Bowl Games roughly a month later.
“Of course I want David back,” Gibbs told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “The whole team would want David back, but it’s ultimately up to him. He’s going to do what’s best for him and his family and whatever he decides to do I’m going to support 100%. But of course we want him back, though.”
Gibbs and Montgomery have manned Detroit’s backfield together for the past three seasons, with Montgomery punishing defenses to soften them up before Gibbs attacks with his speed. They’ve combined for 6,086 rushing yards, 2,099 receiving yards and 82 total touchdowns in the time as the NFL’s preeminent RB duo.
However, the consideration of trading Montgomery to provide him with a bigger role elsewhere comes after the 28-year-old was used sparingly down the stretch in 2025 as Gibbs, who will only be 24 next season, continued his ascent as a singularly electric feature back.
Montgomery ended last season with career lows in rushing attempts (158) and rushing yards (716). For the first time during his seven seasons in the league, he averaged under 10 carries a game. Most of his diminished workload came toward the end of the season with Detroit desperately trying to find traction in the playoff race and needing Gibbs to singlehandedly generate offense more than in previous years. After receiving 10-plus carries in seven of the team’s first nine games, Montgomery only took that many totes once more the rest of the way.
