Detroit Lions RB David Montgomery Tipped for Career Change as Jahmyr Gibbs Takes Over in 2026
The Detroit Lions have fielded one of the NFL’s most productive offenses over the past two seasons, powered largely by their two-headed rushing attack of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.
Gibbs’ explosive speed and Montgomery’s physical running style formed a perfect “Sonic and Knuckles” combination in Detroit. However, usage trends suggest the balance is shifting firmly toward Gibbs — and that could put Montgomery’s future with the Lions in doubt heading into 2026.
According to Aaron Schatz of ESPN, Montgomery may be better served seeking a lead-back role with another team.
“It felt as if the Lions’ ‘Sonic’ and ‘Knuckles’ backfield became more of the Sonic (Jahmyr Gibbs) show as the 2025 season went along,” Schatz wrote. “It also might be better for his career to take a lead-back role with a different team.”
David Montgomery Still Has Starter Value
While Gibbs has clearly emerged as the featured back, Montgomery remains a productive NFL runner. Over the past two seasons, he has recorded:
700+ rushing yards per season
20 total touchdowns
Consistent red-zone effectiveness
Despite that output, Montgomery did not start a single game in 2025, after starting 14 games the year before. That shift signals the Lions’ long-term commitment to Gibbs as their offensive centerpiece.
A Likely Fresh Start in 2026
At 28 years old, Montgomery is no longer a young back, but he still has enough power and vision to handle a starting workload. Several teams around the league could view him as a plug-and-play lead runner or short-yardage specialist.
While Montgomery has been a key contributor in Detroit’s offensive rise, the Lions appear ready to fully transition into the Jahmyr Gibbs era.
A separation may benefit both sides:
Detroit continues building around a younger, faster offense.
Montgomery gets a chance to revive his career as a primary starter elsewhere.
If the trend continues, the 2026 season could mark the end of Montgomery’s time in Detroit — and the beginning of a new chapter as a lead running back for another NFL franchise.
