By Sunday 
Sometimes in the NFL, change doesn’t arrive with fireworks. It creeps in quietly — fewer carries here, fewer targets there — until one press conference makes everything feel real. That’s exactly where things stand now for David Montgomery and the Detroit Lions.
What we’re seeing isn’t just a roster tweak. It feels like a transitional moment for a team recalibrating its identity — and for a player who suddenly finds himself on the outside of the long-term vision.
A Season That Slipped Away Quietly
On paper, Montgomery’s 2025 season doesn’t scream disaster. He actually appeared in more games than the year before. But the numbers beneath the surface tell a different story.
Fewer carries. Fewer receptions. Fewer opportunities to impose his physical, downhill style. It ended up being the least productive rushing season of his career, and it became increasingly clear that Detroit’s offense was moving in another direction.
That direction had a name.
Jahmyr Gibbs Changed the Equation
The Lions didn’t just feature Jahmyr Gibbs — they leaned into him. His explosiveness, versatility, and big-play ability reshaped how Detroit wanted to attack defenses.
In doing so, Montgomery’s role shrank from reliable co-lead back to situational option. And in today’s NFL, once that shift happens, the clock usually starts ticking.
Brad Holmes Says the Quiet Part Out Loud
The moment everything crystallized came during general manager Brad Holmes’ end-of-season press conference.
“Those are conversations that we’re going to have to have because got a lot of respect for that player… He deserves to be in a situation where his skill set can be utilized.”
That wasn’t a commitment. It was an acknowledgment.
Holmes didn’t sound dismissive — far from it. His words were respectful, even empathetic. But they also carried the unmistakable tone of a front office preparing for change.
Respect Doesn’t Override Reality
This is where the business side takes over. Montgomery is still under contract through 2027, but the structure of the deal makes a separation workable. With no guaranteed money left and a base salary north of $5 million, the Lions have flexibility.
A pre–June 1 move comes with some pain. A post–June 1 designation softens the blow and opens up real savings. Either way, the math suggests Detroit would rather reallocate resources than pay full price for a role they no longer prioritize.
What Happens Next?
A trade feels far more likely than a clean cut. Montgomery still has value — just not premium value. At best, he probably fetches a Day 3 pick, but that might be enough for both sides to walk away satisfied.
For Detroit, it’s about leaning fully into their evolving offense. For Montgomery, it’s about landing somewhere his style is still central, not supplemental.
A Transitional Goodbye Feels Inevitable
This doesn’t feel bitter. It feels… inevitable.
The Lions are moving forward. Montgomery deserves a role that fits who he is. And sometimes, the best outcome for everyone is acknowledging that a chapter has run its course.
In Detroit, this offseason isn’t just about adding pieces — it’s about embracing transition. And David Montgomery may be the first clear sign of that shift.