The Detroit Lions are planning some significant changes for their offense in 2026, with the search for a new offensive […]
The Detroit Lions are planning some significant changes for their offense in 2026, with the search for a new offensive coordinator expected to usher in a new era for the club. Interestingly, amid the search for a new play-caller, the team also seems open to a David Montgomery trade.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes said the front office will have “conversations” this offseason about trading their No. 2 running back. While NFL free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft offer plenty of starting-caliber backs, a veteran like Montgomery could generate real interest on the trade market. So, with the offseason here, let’s examine some potential trade landing spots.
New York Jets
With Breece Hall potentially departing in NFL free agency this offseason, the New York Jets will be in the market for a starting-caliber running back. New York’s head coach, Aaron Glenn, knows what David Montgomery brings to the locker room, and Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand served on Detroit’s coaching staff during the veteran’s most productive seasons. An $8.37 million cap hit in 2026 is reasonable for a running back of Montgomery’s talent, and he’d be a dependable three-down option to potentially pair with a rookie running back. Plus, given the number of free-agent running backs available, he should be relatively cheap to acquire.
Related: NFL Free Agency Rankings 2026, including Breece Hall
Denver Broncos
J.K. Dobbins was excellent when healthy for the Denver Broncos, providing Sean Payton and quarterback Bo Nix with a viable rushing threat who could make plays after first contact. Unfortunately, the entirety of Dobbins’ career has proven he can’t stay healthy. As for R.J. Harvey, he finished the regular season averaging just 3.7 yards per carry. Montgomery could thrive behind the Broncos’ offensive line. He might also be the perfect committee backfield mate in Denver, with Harvey retaining his role as a receiving threat out of the backfield.
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals might not necessarily seem like a great option for David Montgomery. However, if the franchise is able to land one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, then this spot makes a lot of sense. The rookie would already have three excellent pass catchers to work with in Trey McBride, Michael Wilson, and Marvin Harrison Jr. What’s missing, though, is a good starting running back. Montgomery wouldn’t face a ton of stacked boxes with defenses having to account for that trio of weapons, and he could be a bigger piece of the running game than he was in Detroit this past season.
Kansas City Chiefs
It’s highly unlikely that the Kansas City Chiefs use premium draft capital on a running back this offseason, even if it’s a glaring need. We also don’t necessarily see Brett Veach getting into a bidding war for a top running back when that money could be more effectively spent on the defense. That still leaves open the possibility of a trade for Montgomery. Over the last three seasons, he’s averaged 4.5 yards per carry with 33 touchdowns in 45 games. Montgomery would be the best running back Kansas City has had since Isiah Pacheco was truly healthy and his normal self.
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