The 2025 season was one to forget for the Detroit Lions, as they will not be in the playoffs for the first time since the 2022 season. The Lions could not escape the injury bug, nor could they get into a rhythm on offense that we’re accustomed to seeing over the last two years.
The Lions’ two-headed monster at RB with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, which has become one of the best duos in the league, fell off this season. Gibbs had another Pro Bowl season with 1,839 scrimmage yards and 18 total TDs. However, he averaged 71.9 rushing yards per game, which is lower than his 2024 production (83.1).
It was the same story for Montgomery, who didn’t start in a single game this season and saw his numbers dip across the board. He had a career low in carries (158), rushing yards (716), and rushing yards per game (42.1).
With that being said, Lions GM Brad Holmes frankly admitted to reporters on Thursday that they’ll have discussions with the veteran running back to find the best possible option for his career going forward.
“He deserves to be in a situation where his skillset can be utilized," Holmes said regarding the veteran running back’s lack of touches (h/t ESPN’s Eric Woodyard).”
If the Lions decide to part ways with Montgomery, there should be a few teams interested in taking a chance on a running back who has thrived in a running back by committee system and as the lead guy in his career.
1. New York Jets
Aaron Glenn’s first season in New York did not go to plan at all, as the Jets finished with the second-worst record in the NFL.
Despite their record, the Jets had the 11th-ranked rushing offense (123.3 yards per game), led by Breece Hall, who ran for 1,065 yards and four scores on 243 carries. Hall is scheduled to be a free agent, and considering his age (24), he’s due for a huge payday that might not come in New York.
If that’s the case, Glenn and offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand should make a play to bring Montgomery to the Big Apple. The veteran running back is familiar with them and can immediately step in as the unquestioned RB1. He would also be under contract until after the 2027 season as Montgomery signed a two-year, $18.25 million contract extension in Oct. 2024.
Now he wouldn’t be the only running back in New York getting touches, as the Jets have two young running backs in Isaiah Davis and Braelon Allen. However, Davis and Allen are better off as RB2/3s at this stage in their career.
If you’re the Jets, you have a fourth-round pick and two projected fifth-round comp picks to use in a trade for Montgomery. While the Jets might not be a contender like the Lions, they could use his skill set as a runner and catcher out of the backfield.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are a contender that will likely be in the market for a running back this offseason, as Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt are scheduled to be free agents. Kansas City needs to revamp its running game, which averaged 106.9 yards per game (24th in the NFL).
If you ask Chiefs fans, they would love for KC to either draft a running back (Jeremiyah Love) or sign a running back in free agency (Breece Hall). However, they shouldn’t dismiss Montgomery, who is a better version of Pacheco.
The Lions running back has proven to be able to stay healthy, can run between the tackles, and is a weapon as a pass catcher. Pacheco has been banged up over the last two seasons, and he doesn’t offer much as a receiver. We know Andy Reid likes versatile running backs, dating back to his time with the Philadelphia Eagles.
If the Chiefs were to acquire Montgomery in a trade from Detroit, they could use their top draft capital to address other positions and wait to take a running back. Montgomery, a rookie, and Brashard Smith would be a breath of fresh air from what they saw this season.
Now, Kansas City might be hard-pressed to give up one of its Day 3 picks in the 2026 NFL draft, as they’re projected to have three selections. That said, Montgomery can immediately come in and be an instant contributor, while a rookie might have to wait their turn or never play.
3. Houston Texans
The Texans might be in the market for a veteran running back this offseason to pair with rookie Woody Marks, who has exceeded expectations this season.
Nick Chubb is set to become a free agent, and the Texans might be out on Joe Mixon, who has missed the entire 2025 season due to a foot injury that kept him on the NFI list. Mixon has an out in his contract for 2026, which could save Houston $8.5 million.
If you’re the Texans, swapping out Mixon for Montgomery might not be a bad move. The Lions’ veteran cap hit ($8.3M) is lower than Mixon’s ($10.5 million). Additionally, Montgomery is owed $6 million in cash.
Mixon has proven to be a better RB1 than Montgomery and a slightly better receiver out of the backfield. That said, if the Texans plan to turn the reins over to Marks in 2026, why not pair him with Montgomery, who has shown in Detroit that he can play well in a tandem if he’s getting utilized?
This season in Houston as the RB2, Chubb received 8.1 attempts per game, which is a career low for him. However, Montgomery would likely reach double-digits as he can impact the game as a runner and receiver, which isn’t Chubb’s game.
Unlike the Chiefs, the Texans also have the draft capital at their disposal to make a trade for the veteran running back. Houston has two fourth-round picks and a fifth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.