Running back David Montgomery has come to a contract agreement with the Detroit Lions.
According to ESPN, the three-year agreement is worth $18 million, with $11 million guaranteed.
The signing has two implications.
Montgomery gives Detroit’s running backs group a wealth of talent. After spending a stellar year with the Lions and establishing himself as an emotional leader inside the team, Jamaal Williams is probably going to end up somewhere else.
Throughout his career, the fifth-year running back has gained at least 800 yards via the air, including a career-high 1,070-yard effort in 2020. In addition to having 26 touchdowns under his belt, he is a very versatile receiver who has caught 155 receptions for 1,240 yards and four touchdowns.
The veteran has participated in 60 games during his career, starting 51 of them. During the previous season, he started 16 games for the Bears and ran for 801 yards and five touchdowns. After the game, the Bears decided not to re-sign him.
Given Montgomery’s presence and the fact that D’Andre Swift is about to play his final season on a deal, Williams’ two seasons in Detroit are probably coming to an end. After breaking the franchise record for running touchdowns in a season and rushing for a career-high 1,066 yards in 2022, his contract was up.
Due to his injury struggles in 2022, six-year veteran Swift was able to establish himself as a key component of the offence. The BYU prospect took advantage of the chance and had his best-ever season.
On Tuesday, there were rumours circulating that Williams’ contract negotiations with the Lions were at an impasse. Shortly after, word leaked out that Montgomery was joining the Lions.
The Lions made a move at the position twice this offseason; on Monday, they revealed that running back Craig Reynolds had signed a new contract.
