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Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery has responded to a report that he apparently “wanted to leave” the organization he worked with for the past three seasons.
Well, that’s news for the veteran known as “Knuckles” in the Motor City.
Montgomery took to social media to respond to the ESPN report, employing quite a bit of sarcasm in doing so.
“Condemn, [D-Mo] told you?” Montgomery posted Sunday after the report surfaced saying the Lions would want a “decent day 3 pick” in exchange for him.
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David Montgomery of the Detroit Lions warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at US Bank Stadium on December 25, 2025 in Minneapolis. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
The 28-year-old, who began his career with the Chicago Bears, has enjoyed success with the Lions since his arrival. And when the Lions introduced the explosive Jahmyr Gibbs into the mix, the popular duo “Sonic and Knuckles” was born.
Gibbs, however, has taken off since entering the NFL as the Lions’ first-round pick in 2023. He broke out with 1,412 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns, which led the NFL, in 2024. Then he followed that up with 1,223 yards and 13 scores on the ground, with a career-high 616 receiving yards and five more scores through the air in 2025.
Montgomery totaled 716 rushing yards with eight rushing scores, while catching 24 pass attempts from Jared Goff for 192 yards.
Montgomery has been more of a short-yardage defender for the Lions’ dynamic offense, but there’s no doubt that Gibbs is the better player if the team had to choose.
David Montgomery of the Detroit Lions runs the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on September 22, 2025 in Baltimore. (Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
He has a contract through the 2027 season, so the Lions should trade him if he wants to move on. But his tweet says otherwise.
The report even gives a potential destination for Montgomery, saying the Seattle Seahawks could make sense if they don’t re-sign Kenneth Walker III, the Super Bowl LX MVP who is an unrestricted free agent. The Seahawks could also franchise Walker if they want.
Of course, there’s no guarantee the Lions won’t move on from Montgomery, but it appears the veteran is enjoying his role on one of the NFL’s best offenses.
David Montgomery of the Detroit Lions looks on before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at Ford Field on December 4, 2025 in Detroit. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
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The Lions are currently more than $12 million over their salary cap, although this is the time when teams will begin downsizing to prepare for free agency and the NFL Draft. Montgomery is expected to have a cap hit of $8.3 million for the 2026 season.
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