When the Lions’ season came to a close, there was real uncertainty about David Montgomery’s future in Detroit.

General manager Brad Holmes didn’t shy away from that reality. He acknowledged that conversations needed to happen and emphasized that Montgomery deserved to be in an offense that truly maximized what he brings to the table — whether that ended up being in Detroit or elsewhere.

Montgomery finally broke his silence during Super Bowl media week in an interview with NBC Sports, marking his first public comments since the season wrapped up. He revealed that newly hired offensive coordinator Drew Petzing had already reached out, making a strong impression with clear communication and purpose. According to Montgomery, that outreach reassured him that the new offensive staff sees him as a meaningful part of the plan.

He added that he’s looking forward to what comes next and spoke positively about Petzing’s vision, calling the fit encouraging as the Lions transition into a new offensive era.

Production Still There, Even With Fewer Touches

The discussion around Montgomery continued on MLive’s Dungeon of Doom podcast, where hosts Ben Raven and Kory Woods weighed in on what his comments could mean moving forward.

Despite handling a reduced workload, Montgomery quietly had one of the most durable seasons of his career. He suited up for all 17 games for the first time, though his rushing attempts dropped significantly compared to the previous year. Even so, he finished with 716 rushing yards and eight touchdowns — solid production considering the circumstances.

With Petzing’s background as a run-game designer and his tendency to lean into power formations and heavier personnel groupings, it’s easy to envision why Detroit would want to keep the Montgomery–Jahmyr Gibbs pairing intact.

Why Moving On Wouldn’t Make Sense

Raven was especially blunt on the podcast about the idea of trading Montgomery. From his perspective, the Lions wouldn’t get fair value in return, and Montgomery’s impact in Detroit outweighs anything they’d gain by moving him.

Raven also pointed out that Montgomery’s contract extension hasn’t even taken effect yet, meaning the team maintains full control. In his view, there’s little incentive for the Lions to explore a trade when Montgomery remains a productive and reliable piece of the offense.

Woods highlighted another key moment from Montgomery’s NBC Sports interview, noting how the running back pushed back on the idea that he was “taking a backseat” to Jahmyr Gibbs. Montgomery framed the situation as a strength rather than a sacrifice, emphasizing how having multiple explosive options benefits the entire offense — even if, like any competitor, he’d always welcome more touches.

Momentum Toward a Reunion

Nothing has been finalized, but the signs are pointing in a positive direction. Montgomery appears open to staying, the new offensive coordinator values what he brings, and the roster construction makes sense for his skill set.

As Detroit’s new offensive staff takes shape, keeping Montgomery in the mix for 2026 feels less like a compromise and more like a smart continuation.