If one former Arizona Cardinals player follows Drew Petzing to Detroit, it could make a major Detroit Lions offseason move painfully obvious.

The Detroit Lions surprised many on Monday by hiring Drew Petzing as their new offensive coordinator, despite there being no prior reports linking him to the job. Petzing spent the last three seasons calling plays for the Arizona Cardinals, and his arrival in Detroit could have ripple effects well beyond the coaching staff.

Drew Petzing’s Offensive Philosophy Could Reshape the Lions

While the Petzing hire has drawn mixed reactions, it fits an emerging NFL trend: increased usage of multiple tight end sets. The Lions experienced firsthand how difficult those formations can be to defend this season, particularly against the Los Angeles Rams and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Petzing is expected to have a voice in assembling Detroit’s offensive staff, starting with the tight ends coach vacancy created by Tyler Roehl’s departure. Beyond coaching hires, Petzing’s influence could extend to player personnel — especially players he previously worked with in Arizona.

One Potential Signing Would Signal a Major Lions Trade

At first glance, the list of Cardinals free agents doesn’t offer much excitement. However, Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports identified several offensive players who could realistically follow Petzing to Detroit.

Two of those names include:

Jonah Williams, offensive tackle (free agent)

Hjalte Froholdt, center (potential cap casualty)

But the most intriguing name on the list is running back James Conner.

“With the potential that David Montgomery could be traded, Conner gives the Lions a short-term answer while they either work Sione Vaki into the RB2 role or wait to draft their future backup,” Payton noted.

James Conner Could Replace David Montgomery in Detroit

Conner, 30, spent the past five seasons with the Cardinals and scored at least seven rushing touchdowns in four of those seasons. His 2025 campaign was cut short after just three games due to a right foot injury, though there is little concern about a full recovery.

With a new coaching staff in Arizona and Conner approaching the end of his prime, the Cardinals may be ready to move on — opening the door for a reunion with Petzing in Detroit.

Lions Signing James Conner Would All but Confirm a Montgomery Trade

If the Lions were to sign Conner, it would strongly suggest that David Montgomery is on the move. Lions general manager Brad Holmes openly acknowledged trade possibilities involving Montgomery during his season-ending press conference.

Conner would serve as a near-direct replacement — a physical, downhill runner to pair with Jahmyr Gibbs in the backfield. The addition of Petzing may also accelerate Montgomery’s desire to be traded, especially given Holmes’ public comments.

Lions RB2 Situation Remains One of the Offseason’s Biggest Storylines

Detroit’s running back depth remains unresolved, but if Montgomery is dealt, Conner stands out as one of the more logical and proven short-term solutions.

Time will ultimately tell how the Lions handle the RB2 role, but a Drew Petzing–James Conner reunion would make one thing clear: a David Montgomery trade would be all but inevitable.