Will David Montgomery be with the Detroit Lions in the 2026 NFL season? That is a question a lot of fans are asking.

The franchise is yet to make a decision, but they are also looking at other RBs as well.

At the 2026 NLF Combine, Penn State RB Nicholas Singleton was asked if he had met with the Lions and how he feels playing alongside Jahmyr Gibbs. The 22-year-old said:

"I met with them, yeah, I've definitely met with them, formal meetings, just going over just ball security, protections, the run schemes, and all that. But to play with him, man, that's a guy I can look up to, man. Jahmyr Gibbs, he does it all, man. Run the ball, catch the ball in the backfield, be able to go block. So good mentor for me."

Singleton has recorded 3,461 rushing yards, 45 rushing TDs, 622 carries, 987 receiving yards, and 9 receiving TDs in his collegiate career. He was the Penn State Big Ten Freshman of the Year (2022) and also set Penn State’s freshman record with 12 rushing touchdowns in 2022.

The numbers are already better than Montgomery's. He had 2,925 rushing yards and 26 rushing touchdowns, along with 71 receptions for 582 receiving yards and 0 receiving TDs across 3 seasons for IOWA. Then there's the uncertainty of Dan Campbell over him.

"But certainly, he knows how I feel. Drew loves him. I mean, who wouldn't? This guy, he's a heck of a back," Campbell said during the NFL combine. "And so, we'll just, we'll see where everything's at. Certainly, there's been healthy conversations. I'm sure Brad told you guys, probably mentioned that, so all good, man. David's a pro, so we'll figure this out."

But a $80 Million rumor could mean 'Goodbye' for David Montgomery.

Highest paid RB?

According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, the Detroit Lions might offer Jahmyr Gibbs a 4-year, $80 million contract with $30 million fully guaranteed at signing. The deal would make him the highest-paid RB in NFL history, ahead of Saquon Barkley’s $20.6m/year contract with the Eagles.

If Gibbs secures that agreement, David Montgomery would likely emerge as an obvious cap casualty candidate. Why? Because he is on a two-year contract extension with the Lions, which is worth about $18.25 million. The contract keeps him under contract through the 2027 season.

All seems good until here, but then Montgomery has a $8.38 million cap hit in 2026, and that only goes on to increase to $10.245 million for the 2027 season.

It won't be the most practical thing for the Lions to give two running backs that much money. What do you think? Will they do it?

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Written by

Reyansh Dubey

Edited by

Joyita Das