The Detroit Lions don’t want to move on from David Montgomery, but recent comments from Brad Holmes suggest the front office is at least preparing for that possibility.
Speaking candidly about Montgomery’s future, Holmes made it clear the situation is less about dissatisfaction and more about fit, opportunity, and respect for the player.
“Yeah, obviously, I know it was a tough year for him, in terms of the lack of touches… I thought he handled it like a pro,” Holmes said.
“Those are discussions we’re gonna have to have… Is it somewhere else, or whatever the case be.”
That openness has naturally led to one big question around the league: what could the Detroit Lions realistically get in a trade for David Montgomery?
Why Montgomery’s Trade Value Is Limited
There’s no debate about Montgomery’s toughness or reliability. He’s still a productive NFL running back, averaging 4.5 yards per carry in 2025, and remains a trusted pass protector and locker-room presence.
But timing matters.
Montgomery will be 29 years old when the 2026 season begins, which immediately caps his trade value in a league that treats running backs as short-term assets. Teams aren’t paying premium draft capital for veteran backs unless they are game-breaking receivers or on ultra-cheap deals.
Holmes acknowledged the awkward reality of the situation:
“He deserves to be in a situation where his skillset can be utilized… we would love for it to be here, but if it can’t be here, then you just have to see what you can work out that is best for him.”
That quote sounds less like posturing and more like a GM laying the groundwork for a possible move.
The Touches Drop Matters More Than You Think
One of the most telling data points is Montgomery’s usage decline.
- 2024 (14 games): 221 total touches
- 2025 (17 games): 182 total touches
That’s 39 fewer touches despite playing three more games.
In a league where front offices obsess over usage curves, that trend screams role reduction, not feature back.
Even Holmes admitted as much:
“I wish we would have been able to get more utilization from him. I know Dan feels the same way.”
That line alone tells you Montgomery wasn’t phased out because of poor play — he was phased out because the offense evolved.
Contract Reality: What the Lions Would (and Wouldn’t) Save
Montgomery’s contract complicates things, but not enough to make a trade impossible.
Key cap details:
- 2025 cap hit: $8.28 million
- 2026 cap hit: $8.37 million
- 2026 guaranteed salary: $0
If the Lions move Montgomery before June 1, 2026, they would:
- Take on ~$4.86M in dead money
- Save ~$3.5M in cap space
That’s not massive relief, but it’s meaningful flexibility, especially with extension talks looming for cornerstone players.
The bigger value may not be the cap savings alone, but redirecting touches and money toward younger, controllable talent.
So… What Could Detroit Actually Get?
Here’s the honest answer: don’t expect fireworks.
Montgomery’s age, position, and contract point toward a Day 3 return.
Most realistic trade outcome:
- Likely: 6th-round pick
- Best-case: Conditional 5th-round pick
That’s not a knock on Montgomery, it’s simply the current running back market. Teams will gladly add him as a stabilizer, but they won’t mortgage draft capital to do it.
And Holmes seems fully aware of that reality.
“Those are conversations we’re gonna have to have… I have a lot of respect for that player.”
Bottom Line
The Lions aren’t shopping David Montgomery, but they’re no longer pretending the situation is simple.
At 29, with declining usage and limited cap flexibility, Montgomery’s trade value likely tops out at a Day 3 pick, probably a sixth-rounder. The move would be more about opportunity and roster balance than asset maximization.
Whether he stays or goes, one thing is clear: Brad Holmes is preparing for every outcome, and Montgomery’s future in Detroit is officially one of them.
