Get ready for an exciting journey as we dive into the world of the Detroit Lions and their massive offseason decisions!
The Running Back Dilemma: A Tale of Two Stars
The Detroit Lions are gearing up for an action-packed 2026, but they've got some crucial choices to make regarding their running back squad. Let's unravel these decisions and explore the future of the Lions' backfield.
Jahmyr Gibbs: The Explosive Force
Jahmyr Gibbs had another incredible season, but there's more to the story. While he dominated with his explosive plays, ranking third in the NFL for rushes over 20 yards and second for rushes over 30 yards, his overall efficiency took a hit. The question arises: can the Lions unlock his full potential, or is there more to uncover?
David Montgomery: A Changing Role
David Montgomery's journey with the Lions took an unexpected turn in 2025. With Gibbs' rise, Montgomery's role shifted, and he found himself on the sidelines more often. Despite the coaching staff's promises to involve him more, Montgomery's playing time and involvement declined significantly. The Lions' offensive struggles and frequent trailing didn't help his case.
The General Manager's Take
Brad Holmes, the Lions' General Manager, has some interesting insights. He acknowledges the need for a deeper discussion about Montgomery's future, suggesting a potential trade or a change of scenery. Holmes appreciates Montgomery's skills but admits they weren't utilized to their full potential last season. Will the Lions find a way to maximize his talent, or is a trade on the horizon?
The Trade Scenario: What Could It Look Like?
If a trade is on the cards, what might it entail? Given Montgomery's age and salary, the Lions might not fetch a high-value pick. Recent running back trades suggest a fifth-round pick at best, with more likely outcomes being a sixth-round pick or a swap of late-round selections. While it may not be a grand haul, it could provide some much-needed cap space and a fresh start for Montgomery.
The Lions' Approach: Mending Fences
Personally, I believe the Lions should focus on rebuilding their relationship with Montgomery. With several roster holes to fill, it might be more beneficial to keep a proven talent like him. However, their willingness to respect Montgomery's preferences is admirable and could lead to an interesting resolution.
The Bigger Picture: A Market Reset?
As we look ahead to Gibbs' potential contract extension, the market for running backs is an intriguing puzzle. With the highest-paid backs on short-term deals, Gibbs has the potential to reset the market, despite not being a traditional workhorse back. His production is comparable, and a deal worth around $20 million per year seems likely. The length of the contract, however, is the intriguing factor, with the Lions typically favoring four-year deals for players coming off their rookie contracts.
The Competition: Bijan Robinson
Adding to the intrigue is Gibbs' draft mate, Bijan Robinson, who's had a promising start with the Atlanta Falcons. It will be fascinating to see which team extends their running back first and what kind of contract they offer. Could this set a new benchmark for running back contracts?
As we await the Lions' decisions, the future of their running back room is full of possibilities. Will they extend Gibbs and set a new market standard? Or will they trade Montgomery and free up some cap space? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure: the Detroit Lions are making some bold moves this offseason!
