David Montgomery Fantasy

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery left with an undisclosed injury during organized team activities on Thursday. Montgomery was able to walk off the field under his own power to the locker room. It's an ominous start to spring practices for the former Bears running back, who totaled 915 carries for 3,609 yards and 26 touchdowns while adding 155 receptions for 1,240 yards and four receiving TDs in his four years in the Windy City. The 25-year-old is expected to be Detroit's preferred early-down back in 2023, but rookie first-rounder Jahmyr Gibbs is likely to take away valuable pass-catching opportunities out of the backfield. Injury aside, Montgomery is on the RB2/3 borderline in fantasy in his first year with the Lions.

May. 25th • 5:16 PM

With Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift now the odd man out in the team's backfield, rookie Jahmyr Gibbs will now share the backfield with free-agent addition David Montgomery. Gibbs was a dynamic all-purpose back at Alabama in 2022 and at Georgia Tech before that, and the Lions think he can play a similar role in the NFL. He can flex out wide as a receiver, line up in the slot or play from the backfield. It makes more sense for Detroit to shop Swift, and teams are already calling about his availability after the Lions took Gibbs with the No. 12 overall pick on Thursday night. The 25-year-old Montgomery will serve as more of a between-the-tackles, short-yardage, goal-line guy in his first year in Detroit.

Apr. 28th • 3:30 PM

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, free-agent running back David Montgomery has agreed to a three-year, $18 million contract with the Lions. Montgomery, a 2019 third-round pick, is coming off one of the worst seasons of his four-year career, all with the Bears. He finished the 2022-23 campaign with a career-low 801 yards off 201 touches while totaling six touchdowns. The deal probably means the end of Jamaal Williams' tenure in Detroit, with Montgomery expected to be the primary ball carrier. The oft-injured D'Andre Swift should remain involved, although he'll likely get most of his work as a pass-catcher. Nevertheless, Montgomery's move to Detroit should improve his fantasy stock, especially with an upgraded offensive line at his disposal.

Mar. 14th • 9:56 PM