The Detroit Lions' backfield is dealing with some uncertainty as free agency is set to begin in less than two weeks. Veteran running back David Montgomery's future with the team has been up in the air ever since the 2025 season ended, and it looks like his time in the Motor City is running out.
On Sunday, ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler reported that Montgomery is still hoping to be traded out of Detroit this offseason, adding that the Lions will reportedly ask for a "decent Day 3 pick" in return for his services.
Montgomery took to X shortly after to seemingly dispute Fowler's report. Although reporters have gotten things wrong in the past, it wouldn't be the first time that a player has claimed for a report to be false only to be moved at a later date.
With that in mind, Montgomery is just 28 and on a reasonable deal that can be restructured. That's why multiple teams should be in line to make a run at him, especially with free agency offering limited RB1 options.
Here's a look at the three likeliest trade destinations for Montgomery as the offseason buzz continues.
3 Potential David Montgomery Trade Suitors
1. Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks may lose the reigning Super Bowl MVP in free agency. Kenneth Walker III — a homegrown talent — played out of his mind in the playoffs, which might lead to multiple teams looking to overpay for his services.
With Zach Charbonnet likely returning from injury at some point next season, Seattle may not want to sign Walker to a long-term contract (or at all). Seahawks general manager John Schneider will have more than enough cash to find a replacement, with OverTheCap listing $59.5 million in cap space.
Montgomery only has two years and $15 million in owed cash remaining on his contract. He'd give the Seahawks a solid starting-caliber option while Charbonnet gets back to full strength without breaking the bank, and they can move on from him after one year or get his contract off the books in no time.
2. Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos were the latest victim of trusting J.K. Dobbins. As talented as he is, he can't stay healthy, and it came back to haunt them again last season. They still have a promising youngster in RJ Davis, but he may not be enough.
Head coach Sean Payton will reportedly give up offensive play-calling duties. That said, the Broncos will still deploy his offensive system, and it's hard to envision them going away from the running game after it worked so well for them last season.
The Broncos can't expect Dobbins to be healthier as he gets older. Montgomery, who's missed only an average of 1.8 games in the last four seasons, gives them a proven veteran who can bruise and pound his way between the tackles while their young star gets ready to take the reins.
3. Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs' two leading rushers — Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt — failed to average 4.0 yards per carry last season. The team as a whole ran for a pedestrian 106.6 rushing yards per game, the eighth-fewest in professional football, making the backfield a point of emphasis for general manager Brett Veach.
The Chiefs might be better off using a fifth-round pick to get Montgomery instead of using their first-round selection on Jeremiyah Love, as expected. Of course, Love is a budding star with a sky-high ceiling, but they can put that first-round pick to better use.
The Chiefs brought back offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, and he's known for his work with running backs. They will likely let Pacheco and Hunt shortly, and a trade for Montgomery would give them an immediate replacement.