The Detroit Lions are facing mounting pressure late in the season, and frustration may be spilling over within the locker room—particularly for running back David Montgomery.

Montgomery’s role shrank dramatically in the Lions’ 29–24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he recorded just four carries for 14 yards. The defeat pushed Detroit’s playoff hopes to the brink and highlighted a growing trend in the team’s offensive approach.

Over the past six games, Montgomery has received fewer than 10 carries in each contest, signaling a clear shift toward Jahmyr Gibbs as the featured running back. While Gibbs has excelled, Montgomery’s diminishing workload has not gone unnoticed.

That frustration appeared to surface on social media Tuesday when Montgomery liked an Instagram comment urging him to request a trade.

“I love you bro, but you should request a trade,” the comment read. “The way they’re treating you and glazing Gibbs is atrocious. Look what happens when we don’t use you. We lose.”

Montgomery, 28, has one year remaining on his contract, making his future in Detroit a growing topic of discussion.

David Montgomery’s Lions Career and Production

Montgomery signed with the Lions in 2023 and immediately made an impact, rushing for 1,015 yards and 13 touchdowns, while averaging 4.6 yards per carry in his first season with the team.

In 2024, his production declined as Detroit leaned more heavily into a Gibbs-centered rushing attack. Montgomery finished that season with 775 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging 4.2 yards per attempt.

Through 15 games this season, Montgomery has posted:

649 rushing yards

8 touchdowns

4.6 yards per carry

Despite the reduced usage, his efficiency remains strong, reinforcing the idea that the issue is opportunity rather than performance.

Could the Lions Trade David Montgomery?

From a roster-building standpoint, it would make sense for Detroit to explore a trade this offseason. Moving Montgomery could:

Eliminate potential locker-room tension

Open the door fully for Jahmyr Gibbs as the lead back

Provide the Lions with draft capital or depth at another position

While no official trade request has been made, Montgomery’s social media activity has added fuel to speculation that his time in Detroit may be nearing its end.

With the offseason approaching, this situation is one worth monitoring closely.