A recent report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler suggested that David Montgomery “wants out” of Detroit.

That seemingly came as news to Montgomery.

 

 

 

The star running back swiftly dispelled rumors that he wants to leave the Lions, publicly asking to check the source — because it sure wasn’t him.
David Montgomery Detroit LionsDetroit Lions running back David Montgomery

“Damn, [D-Mo] told you that?” Montgomery posted to X on Sunday afternoon, his first post on the platform since March 2024.

Montgomery, 28, handled 158 carries for 716 yards and eight touchdowns for the Lions in 2025, bolstering a formidable rush duo alongside Jahmyr Gibbs that has earned the popular nickname, “Sonic and Knuckles.”

 

 

 

While the lightning-fast breakaway star, Gibbs (Sonic), has garnered the bulk of Detroit’s carries in the last two seasons, the bruising veteran, Montgomery (Knuckles), has been called upon for short-yardage situations.

Perhaps Montgomery’s diminishing role amid Gibbs’ emergence — he ran for 1,000-plus yards as Detroit’s primary back in 2023 before finishing under 800 in the last two seasons — fueled speculation that he was unhappy.
Lions running back david montgomeryDavid Montgomery’s role has diminished slightly amid the emergence of Jahmyr Gibbs.

“At running back, the Lions’ David Montgomery wants out,” Fowler reported from the NFL combine in Indianapolis Sunday morning, teasing that the Lions may already have a price-tag in mind.

He even named a potential suitor.

“[Montgomery] has a reasonable contract (owed $6 million in 2026) and is 28. That has value,” Fowler wrote. “Word out of Indy is that Detroit would want a decent Day 3 pick (possibly a fifth-rounder) in return.

 

 

 

“Seattle makes sense here if it can’t re-sign Kenneth Walker III.”

While Montgomery’s post doesn’t guarantee his staying in Detroit, it firmly clarifies that a potential move isn’t coming at his request.

The Lions missed the playoffs in 2025 after finishing with the NFC North’s top record in back-to-back years.