The Detroit Lions are about to get a lot busier now that the calendar has flipped to February. Free agency and the 2026 NFL draft are closer than ever, meaning it's time for general manager Brad Holmes to start clearing up salary cap space and roster spots if he wants to make the necessary upgrades to avoid consecutive last-place NFC North finishes.
With Spotrac projecting the Lions to be more than $8.2 million over next year's salary cap, it's time for Holmes to think about how he can create some financial savings. Yes, the 2026 cap is estimated to rise between $22 million and $26.5 million, but every penny counts. So if there's a chance to add more funds to his arsenal, Holmes must take it.
That's why, if the Lions are desperate to create cap space, running back David Montgomery might not be around the Motor City for much longer.
David Montgomery's Time with Lions Could Be Over Soon
Montgomery's future with the Lions is murky after three seasons with the franchise. The veteran rusher — along with fellow RB Jahmyr Gibbs — was key to Detroit's offensive success in 2023 and 2024; however, his inconsistent usage and performances this season have opened the door to an offseason split.
While Montgomery rushed for the 700-yard mark for the seventh consecutive season, his 9.3 attempts and 42.1 rushing yards per carry were both career-worst showings. His 908 total yards from scrimmage were also a personal-low mark, further illustrating why a fresh start would benefit both sides.
Yes, Montgomery can still produce when he's given the ball, but the Lions have clearly moved closer to Gibbs being the clear-cut RB1 rather than a tandem situation. And now that Drew Petzing is the new offensive coordinator, it's possible that Montgomery might not align with his vision for the backfield's future.
Assuming that's the case, it makes sense for the Lions to move on from Montgomery's contract, on top of the financial help that'd bring. Spotrac shows that there's still $15 million in cash remaining across the final two years of his deal, which includes a $1.75 million guaranteed bonus due next month.
If the Lions want to avoid paying that and save space, they can cut or trade Montgomery before March 13, which would create $3.5 million in cap savings. That number will decrease to $1.7 million if they miss that deadline; however, it will then skyrocket to $6 million with a post-June 1 split.
Montgomery has juice left in the tank, but the Lions can ignore the financial benefits that parting ways would bring. They can look for a cheaper backfield partner for Gibbs through the draft or free agency, while using their potential savings to address the more pressing holes on their roster (pass rush, secondary, tight end room, etc.).
Montgomery's time in the Motor City has led to fond memories, including the Lions' postseason return. At the same time, all good things must eventually end. Turning the page would be in both sides' best interest, giving a fan-favorite RB the fresh start he deserves while doing Detroit's offseason planning a huge favor.