The Detroit Lions had an unexpected item added to their offseason shopping list on Sunday.
As the 2026 free agency tampering period is set to begin in about a week, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that running back David Montgomery has requested a trade. Montgomery denied the report on social media shortly after it was released; however, the thought of an exit was enough to shine a bright light on the Lions’ backup running back situation behind Jahmyr Gibbs.
Many associated with the Lions — including Gibbs, head coach Dan Campbell, and general manager Brad Holmes — have suggested it’s up to Montgomery if he wants to return. And if the veteran RB really does want out, the Lions should be looking for replacement options, including Green Bay running back Emanuel Wilson.
Fowler reported on Saturday that the Packers are unlikely to tender Wilson, who would become an unrestricted free agent if that's the case. While the move doesn’t completely prevent Green Bay from bringing Wilson back, it felt like an unofficial goodbye when he said, “I’ma miss Green Bay too, my guy,” when responding to a fan about the situation on his Instagram account.
With Wilson’s departure looking like a formality, the Lions should be interested and could keep him as a contingency plan if Montgomery leaves in the coming weeks.
Emanuel Wilson Could Become Lions’ RB2 If David Montgomery is Traded
Wilson could be an intriguing target for any team looking for running back depth. In three seasons with the Packers, Wilson logged 1,083 yards and seven touchdowns, including 496 yards and three TDs last season. He’s also had a nose for getting enough to keep an offense on schedule, posting a career 59.1% success rate on 242 career carries.
Success rate is defined by how often a ball carrier gets 40% of the yards needed on first down, 60% of the yards needed on second down, and 100% of the yards needed on third and fourth down. While it can be skewed by goal-line and short-yardage situations, Wilson would also be an improvement from Montgomery, who watched his success rate drop from 55.1% in 2024 to 48.1% in 2025.
Wilson also showed power in his limited opportunities, averaging 3.06 yards per carry after contact compared to Montgomery’s 3.17 clip last season. The biggest piece of evidence was a Week 12 start against the Minnesota Vikings, when 94 of his career-high 107 yards came after contact, according to Pro Football Focus.
While Montgomery has been more involved as a receiver, that could be worked on with Gibbs in the lead running back role. Wilson would also come significantly cheaper than other running backs on the free agent market, including Isiah Pacheco, Tyler Allgeier, and Rico Dowdle.
Weakening an opponent is never a bad idea, as the Packers will turn to the oft-injured MarShawn Lloyd in the RB2 role, barring an addition this offseason. The Lions may have to fix their own situation quickly if Montgomery’s demand is true, with Wilson becoming an intriguing target after being non-tendered by Green Bay.