Lions strike extension with standout offensive performer

Montgomery began his career with the Bears, immediately serving as a key member of their offense during his rookie campaign. He logged no fewer than 201 carries during his four years in Chicago, remaining highly durable despite that heavy workload. Across his tenure in the Windy City, however, the former third-rounder only averaged 3.9 yards per carry and questions were raised about his efficiency coming off his rookie contract.

The Bears were interested in retaining Montgomery on a new deal last spring and an offer was made. Minnesota was also interested in a contract, but he wound up making a different intra-divisional move. Montgomery joined the Lions to serve as the team’s Jamaal Williams replacement. The Iowa State product inked a three-year, $18M pact to head to Detroit. Guaranteed salary only existed on the first two years of the pact, however, with it set to be voided in February 2025. That helps explain the timing of this move.

Of course, a mutual desire would also naturally exist to continue this relationship given how productive it has proven to be. Running behind one of the league’s top offensive lines, Montgomery topped 1,000 rushing yards for the second time in his career last season at a career-best rate of 4.6 yards per attempt. He added a personal-best 13 touchdowns, which ranked tied for third in the NFL amongst running backs. The early portion of the current campaign has also yielded strong numbers, with Montgomery finding the end zone once in every game so far in 2024.

The Lions used the first of their two Day 1 draft selections on Jahmyr Gibbs last April, adding him as a high-upside complement to Montgomery in the backfield. The Alabama product — as expected — had notable production in the passing game (52 catches, 362 yards) as a rookie,and an expanded role was planned in the offseason for 2024. Indeed, Gibbs has seen his number of carries increase to 13.5 per contest this year and has remained efficient on the ground and productive overall (four total touchdowns). While Gibbs plays out his rookie contract, Montgomery will remain in place after receiving a raise.

The latter will now be attached to the seventh-highest AAV amongst running backs after previously ranking 14th in that regard. Montgomery will be expected to remain a strong short-yardage and red-zone contributor over the coming years as Gibbs continues to develop. If that tandem can remain arguably the league’s best, Detroit’s offense will be among the most efficient on the ground for several years.

The 2024 offseason saw quarterback Jared Goff, receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and offensive tackles Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker each land multi-year extensions. Those players will stay in place as pillars of the offense for the foreseeable future. Montgomery’s new pact is much smaller in value, but it, too, will help ensure a notable degree of continuity on that side of the ball for the Lions.