Lions’ $18.25 Million Standout May Have Send Message About His Future in Detroit
The Detroit Lions roster in 2026 is expected to look very different from the team that finished the 2025 regular season with a win over the Chicago Bears under head coach Ben Johnson.
With Detroit projected to be nearly $10 million over the NFL salary cap, general manager Brad Holmes will need to make difficult financial decisions this offseason.
One major question involves the future of running back David Montgomery and whether he will remain with the Lions moving forward.
David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs: “Sonic and Knuckles”
The Lions’ running back duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, nicknamed “Sonic and Knuckles,” has been one of the most productive tandems in the NFL.
In the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Montgomery and Gibbs became the first teammates in NFL history to combine for:
2,000+ scrimmage yards
20+ touchdowns
Accomplished within their first 25 games together
Despite their success, Montgomery’s role declined during the 2025 season, raising questions about his long-term future in Detroit.
Montgomery Addresses His Role With the Lions
While appearing on Super Bowl Radio Row with Chris Simms, Montgomery spoke about playing alongside Gibbs.
“The really good teams have the rarity of having two really good guys,” Montgomery said. “Jahmyr is one of, if not the best, running backs in the league, and I believe I’m a damn good back myself.”
Montgomery also addressed concerns about Gibbs receiving more touches.
“I wouldn’t say stealing,” Montgomery said. “You’re on a team where you get the luxury of having two guys like that… I’m an incredible teammate, and I’ll do whatever it is to ensure that my team is going in the right direction.”
Montgomery’s comments gave Lions fans hope that he still sees himself as part of Detroit’s future.
Brad Holmes Comments on Montgomery’s Future
Lions GM Brad Holmes recently spoke about Montgomery’s situation and acknowledged that changes could be coming.
“Those are conversations that we’re going to have to have,” Holmes said. “He deserves to be in a situation where his skillset can be utilized… would love for it to be here, but if it can’t be here then you’d just love to see where could work out best for him.”
Montgomery’s contract includes:
2026 cap hit: $8,370,833
2027 cap hit: $10,245,833
Those figures make him a potential cap casualty if Detroit looks to create financial flexibility.
Montgomery Posted Career-Low Numbers in 2025
Montgomery’s production dipped significantly in 2025, as he recorded:
Career-low rushing attempts
Career-low yards per carry
Career-low total scrimmage yards
The former Chicago Bears third-round pick (73rd overall in 2019) originally signed a three-year, $18 million deal with Detroit in 2023. He later followed that with a two-year, $18.25 million contract extension.
Will David Montgomery Stay With the Lions?
Between Montgomery’s declining workload, his rising cap hit, and Detroit’s salary cap challenges, his future with the Detroit Lions remains uncertain.
However, his recent comments suggest he still wants to be part of the Lions’ plans moving forward — leaving open the possibility that Detroit keeps its Sonic and Knuckles backfield intact for at least one more season.
