David Montgomery is emerging as a legitimate offseason trade candidate for the Detroit Lions, and one proposed deal with the New York Jets may be too good for Detroit to pass up.

When the Lions hired John Morton to replace Ben Johnson as offensive coordinator, it wasn’t hard to anticipate a shift in the backfield hierarchy. Leaning more heavily on the younger, more explosive Jahmyr Gibbs over Montgomery felt inevitable.

That transition has gone far beyond expectations.

Through 15 games, Gibbs has totaled 207 carries and 279 touches, while Montgomery has logged just 140 carries and 161 touches. The snap counts tell an even clearer story: Gibbs has played 67 percent of the Lions’ offensive snaps, compared to 37 percent for Montgomery.

David Montgomery’s Role Has Quietly Shrunk in Detroit

After head coach Dan Campbell publicly stated he wanted Montgomery to get more touches, the veteran running back recorded 39 carries over the next three games. However, that usage spike proved unsustainable.

Over the six games that followed, Montgomery had only 36 carries, including a puzzling Week 16 performance where he logged four carries on just 13 offensive snaps. He also played fewer than 20 offensive snaps in three consecutive games before Christmas Day against the Minnesota Vikings, when he finally reached 22 snaps (34.4 percent) and recorded double-digit carries for the first time since Week 10.

Despite Campbell repeatedly expressing a desire to involve Montgomery more, it hasn’t materialized. Game scripts haven’t forced him out of the offense, and since Campbell has handled play-calling duties since Week 10, the reduced workload is difficult to explain.

As Montgomery approaches the typical “expiration date” for NFL running backs—he turns 29 before the 2026 season—his diminishing role is pushing the Lions toward an uncomfortable but unavoidable discussion.

Montgomery isn’t known for publicly voicing frustration, which made a recent Instagram story—featuring pads placed on a locker shelf—stand out as a subtle but pointed message.

Lions Must Consider Value vs. Contract Reality

The idea of trading Montgomery won’t sit well with many Lions fans, and it’s unlikely he would request a trade himself. Still, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for Detroit to justify his contract given his role.

Montgomery currently ranks among the 12 highest-paid running backs in the NFL by average annual value, and the Lions must start creating cap flexibility—especially with a future extension for Gibbs looming.

According to Over The Cap, trading Montgomery before June 1, 2026 would leave $4.86 million in dead money from his $8.37 million cap hit. A post–June 1 trade would free up $6 million in cap space. Releasing him outright would make little sense given his trade value.

Detroit won’t move Montgomery unless the return provides immediate, tangible value. That likely means a win-now player plus draft compensation, which narrows the list of realistic trade partners.

Why the New York Jets Make Sense

One team that checks several boxes is the New York Jets.

Jets head coach Aaron Glenn is the former Lions defensive coordinator, and Detroit ties extend deeper. Offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand and offensive line coach Steve Heiden are both former Lions assistants and remain on the Jets’ staff heading into next season.

The Jets’ running back situation also favors a move. With Breece Hall expected to hit free agency, New York could be left thin on experience. Montgomery would offer familiarity, reliability, and system knowledge—especially for Engstrand’s offense.

Just as importantly, the Jets are loaded with draft capital over the next two years and can afford to make a deal that benefits both sides.

Proposed Lions–Jets Trade That Makes Sense for Both Teams

Trade Proposal:

Lions receive: OL Joe Tippmann + draft pick swap

Jets receive: RB David Montgomery

Tippmann, a 2023 second-round pick, has experience at both center and right guard. While he moved to guard this season after the Jets added veteran center Josh Myers, his best position remains center.

Entering Week 17, Tippmann ranked as Pro Football Focus’ No. 8 graded center in 2024, despite being just 24 years old. With Myers under contract through 2027, Tippmann is blocked in New York but would be a near-perfect long-term successor to Frank Ragnow in Detroit.

Jets fans may bristle at the idea of trading Tippmann, but he was drafted by the previous regime and represents surplus value. A player-for-player swap that fills immediate needs for both teams—along with a modest pick exchange—creates a rare win-win scenario.

Final Verdict

If the Lions truly believe Gibbs is the future of their backfield—and all signs point that way—moving David Montgomery at peak value while addressing a critical offensive line need is smart roster management.

This proposed Lions–Jets trade may feel uncomfortable, but from a football and financial standpoint, it’s a no-brainer Detroit shouldn’t refuse.