As a season where he set career-lows across the board neared the end, Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery seemingly got to a point he could no longer hide his frustration with a lack of usage. When it came down to it, talk about changing that did not yield sustained action.
During his season-ending press conference, Lions general manager Brad Holmes was asked point-blank if he expected to have Montgomery back next season. To his credit, Holmes gave a blunt and candid answer.
"Obviously, I know it was a tough year for him in terms of the lack of touches. I'm not going to say I went into it planning for it to be that way. So, those are discussions that we're going to have to have a lot more depth in terms of, what's the best plan for him moving forward. Is that somewhere else, or whatever the case may be."
"I really appreciate everything he's done for us if it does go that way, but I hope it doesn't. We love David Montgomery. Those are conversations we're gonna have, I have a lot of respect for that player."
During Super Bowl week, Montgomery somewhat put the kibosh on the idea he will be or wants to be traded by speaking in "we" terms regarding the Lions. That said, it's not as if he'd say anything else in a public forum.
Holmes suggested conversations will be had with Montgomery this offseason regarding his future. If they haven't already happened, they surely will be taking place soon. And Holmes really made it sound like if Montgomery wants to be traded, every effort will be made to honor that desire.
Jahmyr Gibbs perfectly sums up the David Montgomery situation
As "Sonic" to Montgomery's "Knuckles", Jahmyr Gibbs and his backfield mate have fostered a close relationship over the last three seasons.
At the Pro Bowl Games last week, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press caught up with Gibbs and Montgomery's future was a natural topic.
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"Of course I want David back,” Gibbs said. “The whole team would want David back, but it’s ultimately up to him. He’s going to do what’s best for him and his family and whatever he decides to do I’m going to support 100%. But of course we want him back, though.”
Gibbs offered the obvious sentiment about everyone associated with the Lions wanting to keep Montgomery around. But it is ultimately up to the veteran back, as Holmes strongly hinted previously.
It's also possible Gibbs knows things nobody else, at least this side of Holmes and Dan Campbell, knows about where Montgomery's mind is regarding his future. All in all, Gibbs summed up the situation as well as anyone in his positiion could.