The Detroit Lions have had one of the NFL's most physical rushing attacks in recent seasons. David Montgomery was one of the key parts of that identity. Now, the veteran running back has made a significant personal move.

Montgomery had been a fan favorite in Detroit since he joined in 2023. His leadership presence and his partnership with RB Jahmyr Gibbs helped the Lions reach the Conference Finals in 2023 and clinch the first seed in 2024. However, his trade to the Texans has forced him to move. 

He has now sold his Grosse Pointe Shores property for $1.2 million. According to the Detroit Free Press, the home sale was closed on May 15 after he had bought it on 30 May, 2023.

The veteran had signed during the 2023 offseason after 4 years with the Bears. Montgomery has racked up an impressive 562 carries at an average of 4.45 yards per carry with 2,506 receiving yards and 30 rushing touchdowns. Unfortunately for Montgomery, with the emergence of Gibbs, he had seen his touches reduce year on year.

The house sale just shows how quickly the NFL changes both professionally and personally for players across the league. While Montgomery prepares for his next chapter in Houston, there is no doubt that he was a major reason for the Lions’ turnaround.

It will be interesting to see how the Lions plan on moving forward without Montgomery as an offensive option. This move does indicate that there is going to be more offensive load on Jahmyr Gibbs.

Will Jahmyr Gibbs Be Up To The Challenge?

There is no doubt about the talent that Jahymr Gibbs possesses. He is one of the best running backs in the NFL today. However, he is going to have a lot more workload than before.

While he has the most touchdowns by any player before the age of 24 with 49, he was also playing with another elite running back. Gibbs has had more touches than Montgomery as the years have gone on. However, it is different when that option is not available.

The Lions will be planning to heavily exploit defensive mismatches with more touches for Gibbs. Dan Campbell has talked before at the Annual League Meetings about Gibbs’ potential.

“We’re not even there yet,” said Campbell, “He really grew, but I think we’re just scratching the surface of some of that.”

What do you think? Is it risky to have Gibbs shoulder so much offensive load, or will he perform better with the added responsibility?

Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi