By Moses Joshua 
Detroit’s iconic “Sonic and Knuckles” backfield faces an uncertain future as the franchise quietly weighs a major shift.
The nickname alone felt permanent. “Sonic and Knuckles” — the electric Jahmyr Gibbs paired with the bruising, relentless David Montgomery — became one of the NFL’s most entertaining and productive running back tandems. For three seasons, they carried the Lions’ offense through tight games and long winters, giving Detroit something it hadn’t enjoyed in years: identity.
Now, that identity may be changing.
At his season-ending press conference, Lions general manager Brad Holmes didn’t dodge the rumors swirling around Montgomery’s future. Instead, he met them head-on.
Holmes Opens the Door — Carefully
Speaking with Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Holmes made it clear that no decision has been made, but the front office is at least open to uncomfortable conversations.
“Those are conversations that we’re going to have to have because I’ve got a lot of respect for that player,” Holmes said. “[Montgomery] deserves to be in a situation where his skill set can be utilized. And so yeah, would love it for it to be here, but if it can’t be here, then you would have to just see what you can work out the best for him.”
It wasn’t the language of someone preparing a goodbye tour — but it also wasn’t a firm commitment. It was the tone of a general manager balancing loyalty with reality.
Holmes doubled down moments later.
“Look, those are discussions that we’re going to have to have a lot more in-depth in terms of what is the best plan for him going forward,” he continued. “Is it somewhere else or whatever the case may be. But just really appreciate everything that he has done for us if it does end up going that way.
“I hope it doesn’t [mean we have to trade him], because we love David Montgomery. He’s a good football player and wish we would have been able to get more utilization from him.”
A Steady Producer, Suddenly Squeezed
Montgomery’s résumé in Detroit is not up for debate. Over three seasons, he’s logged 2,506 rushing yards, 23 touchdowns, and added 650 receiving yards on 76 catches. He arrived from Chicago as a tone-setter and helped stabilize an offense that desperately needed toughness.
But 2025 told a different story.
His carries dipped. His yardage dropped. And his touchdown total fell to its lowest mark since he first put on Honolulu blue. The reason wasn’t injury or decline — it was opportunity.
Jahmyr Gibbs Changed the Math
Jahmyr Gibbs didn’t just improve in 2025. He exploded.
The former Alabama star became Detroit’s offensive Swiss Army knife, lining up in the backfield, in the slot, and anywhere else coordinators could find space. Even as the Lions’ offense sputtered at times, Gibbs thrived, piling up 1,223 rushing yards and 13 scores, plus 77 catches for 616 yards and five more touchdowns.
When one back becomes that indispensable, the entire roster equation shifts. Roles tighten. Salaries get scrutinized. And suddenly a luxury turns into a difficult decision.
What Comes Next for “Knuckles”?
Montgomery’s story didn’t begin in Detroit. Drafted by the Bears in the third round in 2019, he built his reputation in Chicago with over 3,600 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns before coming to the Lions. He didn’t chase stardom here — he chased impact.
Now, with Gibbs ascending and Detroit facing broader roster questions, the franchise is being forced to decide whether keeping both halves of “Sonic and Knuckles” still makes sense.
Holmes’ words were respectful, but they were also telling. The Lions aren’t rushing Montgomery out the door — yet. They’re simply acknowledging what every franchise eventually faces: tough choices, even when it involves players everyone loves.