Lions to sign running back David Montgomery
The Detroit Lions have reached a contract agreement with running back David Montgomery.
The deal is for three years and worth $18 million, with $11 million guaranteed, per ESPN.
There’s a two-fold impact to the signing.
Montgomery brings plenty of talent to Detroit’s running backs room. Meanwhile, Jamaal Williams is likely to land elsewhere, after having a career-year with the Lions and establishing himself as an emotional leader with the organization.
The fifth-year running back has rushed for at least 800 yards in every season of his career, including a 1,070yard campaign in 2020. He’s scored 26 touchdowns, and has plenty of versatility as a receiver, catching 155 passes for 1,240 yards and four scores.
In his career, the veteran has played in 60 games (with 51 starts). He started 16 games last season for the Bears, rushing for 801 yards and five touchdowns. The Bears elected not to re-sign him after the performance.
Montgomery’s presence, along with D’Andre Swift entering the final season of his contract, likely means Williams’ time is done in Detroit after two seasons. His contract expired after the 2022 season, in which he rushed for a career-high 1,066 yards and broke the franchise record for rushing touchdowns in a season.
Swift struggled with injuries in 2022, paving the way for the six-year vet to become a focal part of the offense. The BYU product capitalized on the opportunity, with the best season of his career.
Reports surfaced Tuesday that Williams and the Lions were far apart in contract negotiations. Moments later, news broke that Montgomery was signing with the Lions.
It’s the second move the Lions have made at the position this offseason, as they announced the re-signing of running back Craig Reynolds on Monday.