The Detroit Lions knew they couldn't keep their "Sonic and Knuckles" backfield of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery together for much longer due to the former's desire for a huge contract, and it didn't even take until the start of free agency in the 2026 offseason for them to make a decision on the power half of this tandem.
The Lions traded Montgomery to the Houston Texans for a package headlined by two Day 3 NFL Draft picks and backup offensive guard Juice Scruggs. The move hit both Gibbs and Montgomery like a ton of bricks, as Detroit's vaunted running back combination has been brought to an end.
"Everything I do next carries a piece of Detroit with it," Montgomery said in a farewell post on social media. "The work ethic. The edge. The heart. Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for pushing me. Thank you for walking this chapter with me."
David Montgomery says goodbye to Lions after trade to Texans
Montgomery came to the Lions after spending four years as a starter with the Chicago Bears. While he did have a 1,000-yard season under his belt, Montgomery was generally regarded as a perfectly average back. The decision to bring in Gibbs alongside him was met with shock and confusion.
The result was only the best 1-2 backfield punch in Lions history. Gibbs' big-play potential and Montgomery's nose for the goal line proved to be a perfect complement for one another. Montgomery compiled 3,100 yards from scrimmage and 33 touchdowns in three seasons with the Lions.
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Who knows what Montgomery's production could have been if he had been given the same diet of touches that Gibbs was handed? In the right offense, Montgomery might be able to get that yardage total back into the four-digit territory.
Moving forward, fourth-round 2025 NFL Draft pick Sione Vaki appears to have a leg up in the competition to succeed Montgomery. If he fails to impress, look for the Lions to possibly use a pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on a player who can be a more long-term replacement for Montgomery.
Montgomery may not have been able to get to a Super Bowl in Detroit, but few players can claim to have had as big a hand in this tremendous turnaround. Even if the Lions are successful without him, Montgomery deserves a ton of praise for how he has performed in these circumstances.