David Montgomery Confident in Role Despite Lions' Backfield Dynamics
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery is not behaving like a veteran player anticipating being phased out of the team's plans. During Super Bowl week, he utilized national television appearances to endorse teammate Jahmyr Gibbs, defend his own position, and convey a strong message about Detroit's future trajectory.
Public Support and Personal Assertion
In appearances on NFL Network and radio row interviews, Montgomery described Gibbs as "one of, if not the best running back in the league" while simultaneously asserting "I believe I'm a damn good back." This combination of praise for his teammate and self-confidence is particularly significant for a player experiencing reduced playing time and increasing speculation about his future with the franchise.
Navigating Changing Backfield Roles
Montgomery has experienced both sides of Detroit's running back situation. He began his Lions career as the primary starter for two seasons before Gibbs assumed the lead role in 2025, according to reports from Lions Wire and NFL Network. His snap count has decreased by approximately 11% since 2023, while Gibbs' usage has increased by about 10% as the former first-round draft pick developed into one of the league's most dynamic offensive weapons.
Despite these changes, Montgomery refuses to characterize the situation as a competition for limited opportunities. When asked by NBC Sports' Chris Simms during a radio row interview promoting Boy Scouts of America whether Gibbs was taking his carries, Montgomery firmly rejected the premise. "I wouldn't say dealing with it, and I wouldn't say stealing. I would say you're on a team with the luxury of having two guys like that," he stated via Lions Wire.
Competitive Spirit and Team Commitment
Montgomery then emphasized the competitive drive that has sustained his seven-year NFL career. "I'm a competitor just like anybody that's playing at a high level in a professional sport. Everybody wants to play, and everybody wants to be involved," he explained. "The good thing about this is that I'm an incredible teammate, and I'll do whatever it is that I need to do to ensure that my team is going in the right direction. But I want to be a part of that, also."
This final statement reveals Montgomery's perspective: he is willing to share responsibilities but not prepared to become irrelevant in the offense.
Statistical Evidence of Continued Value
The statistics demonstrate that Montgomery remains capable of contributing significantly. The 5-foot-11, 230-pound running back has accumulated 6,115 rushing yards and 59 touchdowns throughout his career. Even with reduced opportunities in 2025, he finished with 716 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns, playing more than 35% of snaps in only one of Detroit's final five regular-season games.
Contractual Considerations and Team Decisions
Detroit's front office faces important decisions regarding their backfield. Gibbs becomes eligible for a contract extension this offseason, while Montgomery enters the first year of his own two-year extension. Although the Montgomery-Gibbs combination represents one of the NFL's better running back tandems, Lions Wire reports the team could save approximately $6 million on their 2026 salary cap by trading Montgomery after June 1.
This financial reality creates underlying tension beneath Montgomery's composed public demeanor. While publicly emphasizing the advantages of a deep backfield and his team-first mentality, his comments consistently indicate he expects meaningful involvement in Detroit's offensive plans moving forward.
Addressing Team Performance and Future Aspirations
Montgomery acknowledges Detroit's disappointing 2025 season, during which the Lions missed the playoffs and finished last in the NFC North—a significant regression after their emergence as contenders under head coach Dan Campbell.
He avoided assigning blame while expressing confidence in the organization's leadership. "I honestly can't answer that question. That's why they pay Brad, and that's why they pay coach Campbell, to get the answers to those kind of questions," Montgomery stated. "This I do know: Brad and coach Campbell, they work hard. It won't be something we'll be living in. It'll be corrected, and we'll be right back to where we were before this year. We're trying to go, we're going to the Super Bowl."
This declaration carries particular weight when a 28-year-old running back discusses Super Bowl aspirations immediately following a last-place finish, suggesting he views himself as integral to the team's anticipated resurgence.
Optimism About Offensive Changes
Recent coaching changes support Montgomery's positive outlook. Detroit replaced offensive coordinator John Morton with Drew Petzing, who previously coordinated the Arizona Cardinals' offense and helped running back James Conner achieve consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Montgomery has already communicated with Petzing and expressed approval of their initial discussions.
"I talked to him briefly. It's pretty evident that he knows exactly what has to happen, and he's prepared for the task at hand," Montgomery commented. "It'll be good to see what he implements in our offense and how we can improve better than we were last year."
Balancing Roster and Financial Considerations
For a front office managing potential extensions for Gibbs, linebacker Jack Campbell, and possibly tight end Sam LaPorta following his back surgery, the most straightforward salary cap maneuver would involve moving on from the veteran running back to realize financial savings. Montgomery's public statements, however, suggest a different expectation—that he will remain part of the solution rather than becoming a contract the team needs to shed.
While Detroit could still decide to separate one of the league's more effective backfield duos if financial pressures dictate, Montgomery's Super Bowl week interviews clearly indicate he is not conducting himself like a player anticipating departure. Instead, he appears to regard 2025 as a temporary setback the Lions will correct, rather than the beginning of his exit from the organization.
