David Montgomery’s time in the Motor City is likely to come to an end as a result of the Detroit Lions’ potential purchase of Jahmyr Gibbs, a running back, in the next weeks.
Despite the fact that Gibbs has a fifth-year team option for the 2027 season, it’s conceivable that Brad Holmes and Co. will make an investment in him right away. His first contract extension currently has an astronomically high asking price.
With his fifth-year option, The Lions are able to delay Gibbs’ free agency for a longer period of time, according to ESPN’s Eric Woodyard, who reports that the franchise has signed nine players to contracts worth a combined total of about $1 billion since spring 2024. With the goal of surpassing the $20. 6 million yearly income of Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles, who signed a two-year, $41. 2 million extension last March that included $36 million in guarantees and the chance to earn an additional $15 million in incentives and escalators, Gibbs will likely attempt to establish himself as the highest-paid running back in league history.
In the interim, ESPN’s Dan Graziano predicted that Gibbs would sign a four-year, $80 million contract that would be entirely guaranteed for $30 million upon signing. Woodyard’s recommendation also aligns with that.
Montgomery becomes an immediate cut candidate if Gibbs gets a Saquon Barley-like deal as soon as possible. There are no questions. Detroit is just not spending all of its money on two running backs, as evidenced by the $8. 37 million cap hit for the 2026 season and the $10. 245 million cap hit for the 2027 season.
According to Jahmyr Gibbs, it is his responsibility to bring David Montgomery back.
Montgomery’s free agency was discussed by Gibbs, who expressed his wish that the RB room stay as it is.
Naturally, I want David (Montgomery) back, said fellow Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs on Monday, as reported by David Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. David’s return would be desired by the entire team, but the decision is ultimately his.
Montgomery is likely aware that the decision is not entirely his. The Lions must provide him with a fair wage, but he also has the opportunity to renegotiate his contract. When there is an obviously better and younger alternative who is still nibbling away at his snap count, it is always difficult to negotiate that.
Because Gibbs holds the leverage and his pay may directly contribute to Montgomery’s departure, was his remark a loaded one? Nevertheless, you are free to investigate that assertion in any way you choose.
However, something in the Lions’ backfield must give. Montgomery’s assessment of Gibbs’ value to Detroit may influence whether his departure is amicable or if there are residual hard feelings from how the contract discussions transpired; nonetheless, Gibbs’ loss is not an option. The Lions will have a fascinating plot to follow in the coming weeks.
