The Lions are snagging a running back from a division rival. Detroit has agreed to terms with running back David Montgomery, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero (via Twitter).
Montgomery is signing a three-year deal worth $18MM, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (via Twitter). The deal includes $11MM in guaranteed money, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter (on Twitter).
The former third-round running back was handed the full-time starting gig in 2020 and was more than productive, finishing with 1,508 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns, with more than 400 of those yards coming via 54 receptions.
After topping 1,000 rushing yards during that 2020 campaign, Montgomery wasn’t able to eclipse that mark in 2021 nor 2022, averaging 825 rushing yards between those two seasons. Thanks to his receiving ability, he was still able to top 1,000 yards from scrimmage in each of the past two years, but his sub-4.0 yards per rush still left plenty to be desired.
In Detroit, Montgomery won’t necessarily be leading the traditional rushing attack, as the organization could still look to squeeze some production out of D’Andre Swift. Instead, it sounds like this signing could spell the end of Jamaal Williams‘s tenure in Detroit, per Pelissero (on Twitter). Earlier tonight, Tyler Dunne tweeted that Williams and the Lions were far apart on a deal.
The Bears gave former sixth-round pick Khalil Herbert a look last season, and there’s a chance the team continues to add to the position.
Sub 4.0 average doesn’t really explain how solid he is, gettin first contact 3 yards deep makes it difficult to average 4 ypc, just not a home run hitter
Should solidify drafting a late round RB to add with Herbert
Extremely solid at the point of contact and shedding hits, great blocker, just a step or two slower when he gets into the open field. Should be better at the goal line, but bigger guys will swallow him up at times. Didn’t help that he had a line at college quality.
WHAT! Hate this move! Jamaal Williams would have been a way better and way smarter signing! WTF Brad Holmes!!!!
You may be right, but Williams probably priced himself out of Detroit with all of those rushing TDs, even if it’s not repeatable. Similar to LeGarette Blount.
I agree. I think this is a terrible signing. I’ve been on board with everything the Lions have done this off-season until this.
Jamal Williams waiting to go to Jets
Jamaal would look good on the Seahawkss!
Love this move .. Jamaal was always gonna get more than we were gonna offer .. Montgomery is a quality back who was running behind a terrible line and has great hands for the position.. Not the same force around the goal line as Jamaal but should give us 12-15 tds easily..
12-15 TDs? 20+.
I like to see division rivals engaged in some poaching. Some rivalries get rather stale without it.
I was hoping to see a reunion with Jamaal Williams but this works.
Those Lions fans that are worried that his production is dwindling, be aware that he was also running behind one of the worst O-lines in the league! This is another terrific signing by Holmes and company, and with this line he’ll be running behind I can see him with a 1500 yard season! Cannot wait till next year!
I agree. Not to mention, he had the most broken tackles as well and has better hands than Jamaal. Some Lions fans are to emotionally attached to Jamaal. I loved the guy too but he wasn’t a great running back but acceptable.
Jamaal was a GOOD running back, but he didn’t break any of those 17 TDs for longer than 10 yards except twice. Our O-line made him much better than he actually was. I hope for the best for him but this is a much better signing no doubt!
Williams and Montgomery are statistically similar with Williams having two additional years to build his numbers vs Montgomery.
You can’t say Williams wasn’t great to watch last season, nor can you say if last season was a result of him having improved, playing behind a very good OL or a fluke. You know he wants to get paid, like last year was his new normal and he might get it somewhere.
Montgomery could be truly declining or just played behind a horrid OL.
Best wishes to both.