The Detroit Lions aren't projected to have an offseason with a lot of shaking up. They're a good team in need of a new center and some better reinforcements on their offensive line, but they don't require a total strip down to make a Super Bowl window open back up for them.
It's what makes the idea of a trade involving any of their starters seem far-fetched. The only starter that could see the trade block, though, is David Montgomery.
The veteran running back was obviously displeased with his role in the Lions' John Morton/Dan Campbell-led offense this past season, and Detroit might think twice about moving him if the draft compensation, and player return, is just right. And, general manager Brad Holmes didn't exactly inspire confidence in Montgomery's future with the Lions in his end-of-season press conference:
"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."
Losing Scottie Montgomery could change everything for Lions' shot at keeping David Montgomery
Another piece to the puzzle regarding Montgomery might fall into place soon, with wide receivers coach and assistant head coach Scottie Montgomery interviewing for the open Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator role. Montgomery is very close with the running back, and losing him might seal the deal for both sides in terms of how to move forward with him on, or off, the team.
As we previously wrote about, the Lions can't really afford to lose Montgomery given how great his relationship is to the running back. Montgomery was one of few people to reach out to him after his knee injury in 2024, and he's been one of the more trusted members of the Lions' coaching staff since being hired back in 2023.
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Detroit's run game is its bread and butter, even with how poorly their offensive line performed this past season. And, losing the punch of the Sonic and Knuckles duo hurt them in a multitude of ways, but namely, by potentially souring the relationship between Montgomery and the team.
Given their prioritization of Jahmyr Gibbs, it's clear they're not feel as wary about any strain between themselves and Montgomery.
We'll see what goes down, but Montgomery would command quite a haul considering he's a nearly consistent 1,000-plus yard rusher each season. Any running back needy team would be chomping at the bit to try and make a deal for him. And, if the team loses Montgomery to an open OC role in the league this offseason, we might need to start considering these mock trades as more of a reality.