Patrick Mahomes Could Benefit from Dan Campbell's Uncertainty Over $18M Lions Star

Dallas Cowboys vs Detroit Lions DETROIT,MICHIGAN-DECEMBER 4: Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery 5 runs the ball during the first half of an NFL, American Football Herren, USA football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Detroit Lions in Detroit, Michigan USA, on Thursday, December 4, 2025 Detroit Michigan United States PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xJorgexLemusx originalFilename:lemus-dallasco251204_npUyJ.jpg
Dallas Cowboys vs Detroit Lions DETROIT,MICHIGAN-DECEMBER 4: Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery 5 runs the ball during the first half of an NFL, American Football Herren, USA football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Detroit Lions in Detroit, Michigan USA, on Thursday, December 4, 2025 Detroit Michigan United States PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xJorgexLemusx originalFilename:lemus-dallasco251204_npUyJ.jpg
Dan Campbell and the Lions front office have been going back and forth regarding running back David Montgomery's contract situation.
Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs could look to swoop in here.
The Chiefs are currently lacking a running back after Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco are set to be free agents. Alex Ballentine of the Bleacher has identified David Montgomery as a good addition to the Chiefs squad.
“Montgomery took a clear back seat to Jahmyr Gibbs this season and only had 158 carries. He was still effective at 4.5 yards per carry. His physical running style would make him an ideal Hunt replacement, and he would only cost the cash-strapped Chiefs $3.5 million if they trade for him," Ballentine reported.
Montgomery has signed his two-year contract worth $18.5 million in 2024 with the Lions.
2025 was especially hard for the running back, with him playing all 17 games but making his fewest rushes (158) and total touches (182). He was overshadowed by partner Jahmyr Gibbs, who recorded 320 touches and 18 touchdowns.
Montgomery, however, has the support of his partner Jahmyr Gibbs.
Speaking to the Free Press at the Pro Bowl, Gibbs said, “Of course I want David back. The whole team would want David back, but it’s ultimately up to him. He’s going to do what’s best for him and his family, and whatever he decides to do, I’m going to support 100%. But of course we want him back, though.”
Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes are in talks with Montgomery over his future
The situation in Detroit with David Montgomery is shrouded in mystery. General Manager Brad Holmes wanted to keep the running back, but revealed the decision may not be in the Lions’ hands.
"We’d love to have him. Kind of want to put last year in the rearview and just move forward. But obviously, a player has to want to be at a certain place as well. So those conversations are still fluid, and we’ll just kind of see how it goes," Holmes said to reporters at the NFL Combine.
Head coach Dan Campbell wants to give Montgomery some space to figure out his decision for the upcoming season.
"But certainly, he knows how I feel. Drew loves him. I mean, who wouldn't? This guy, he's a heck of a back. And so, we'll just, we'll see where everything's at," Campbell said.
Montgomery is set to turn 29 this coming June, and the Lions could make room in their cap space by trading him.
Do you think David Montgomery will end up with the Kansas City Chiefs? Do let us know in the comments down below.
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Written by

Shyam Hari
Edited by

Kalp Thaker