The Detroit Lions have questions at the running back position heading into Drew Petzing's first season. A potential answer to the "Who is the Lions' RB2" question, or even perhaps the "Who does Detroit have for depth behind Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery" question, could be Arizona Cardinals free agent RB Michael Carter.
Carter couldn't hold down a steady role on the Cardinals' roster during the 2025 season, getting the axe at one point and needing to join the practice squad. New head coach Mike LaFleur brought on pass-oriented offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett since accepting the job, which isn't necessarily ideal for a depth RB. While Carter can provide pretty good blocking out of the backfield and catch passes, he's more of a typical tackle-breaking workhorse who prefers to find the gap and exploit it. There's no longer a fit in the desert for Carter, who is an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
The Lions already have an effective pass-catching RB. If Montgomery comes back, which is looking likelier than not in recent weeks, with Gibbs endorsing his return and the salary cap rising, after it seemed he was a definite goner, they'll have two. Petzing has made it clear, though, that there will be room for backups to get opportunities in his offense to avoid injuries.
"You’re always going to try to find ways to get your best players on the field," Petzing said. "And you know, whether that’s 25 times a game or five times a game, I think that it has to be something you’re considering, finding ways to do, finding ways to be creative. And I also know no one’s going to play 100 percent of the snaps, or if they do, they’re not going to make it through 17 games."
That means that, with or without Montgomery's return, RBs looking for the opportunity to see the field should be considering the Motor City. Carter's familiarity with Pentzing also makes for an intriguing fit at the latter's new job.
As for Montgomery, though...
David Montgomery Trade Remains an Option for Lions
While Detroit would love to have Montgomery back, teams in need of an RB1 who strike out in free agency might want to consider the soon-to-be-29-year-old. If the Lions are offered a strong package that addresses depth at other positions or gives them the draft capital to do so, Montgomery may still make sense to swap.
With two years remaining on his deal, Montgomery is a good potential investment for the right team. Unfortunately, for fans hoping to see the veteran remain in the Motor City, that also makes him a great potential trade chip for Detroit.
If that's the way the wind blows, Carter can be your primary backup, your change-of-pace back, your goal-line go-to, or a depth piece who does a lot of the things Gibbs and Montgomery also do well.
Sounds like a win in whichever situation Carter could possibly be in.