Detroit Lions star running back David Montgomery has issued a furious denial of claims that he is seeking a trade away from the Motor City franchise. The veteran player, affectionately nicknamed 'Knuckles' by Lions supporters, took to social media over the weekend to directly challenge an ESPN report alleging his desire to depart.
Montgomery's Blunt Social Media Rebuttal
In a sharp response on X, Montgomery replied to a post detailing the trade speculation with the pointed question: "Damn, Dmo told you that?" This public refutation targets a story from ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, who reported that Montgomery is actively pushing for a move out of Detroit.
Details of the Controversial ESPN Report
Fowler's report suggested that the Lions organisation would be open to trading Montgomery, potentially seeking a Day 3 draft pick, possibly a fifth-round selection, in return for the experienced running back. The insider even identified the Seattle Seahawks as a plausible destination, noting that the Super Bowl champions might require running back reinforcement if Kenneth Walker III departs in free agency.
Montgomery, who is owed $6 million in 2026 and is under contract for two more seasons with a combined base salary of $13 million following a two-year extension signed in October 2024, has now firmly dismissed these claims.
Montgomery's Role and Performance in Detroit
The 28-year-old running back, who began his NFL career with the Chicago Bears before joining the Lions three years ago, appeared in all 17 games last season. However, he did not start any contests, marking a shift from his previous two seasons where he started 28 games.
Montgomery's role has diminished within Detroit's offensive scheme, with younger talent Jahmyr Gibbs receiving the starting nod ahead of him. Last season, Montgomery recorded 716 rushing yards with eight rushing touchdowns, while also catching 24 passes from quarterback Jared Goff for 192 receiving yards.
The Rise of Jahmyr Gibbs
Meanwhile, Gibbs has emerged as a standout performer since being selected by the Lions in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The 23-year-old running back led the entire NFL in 2024 with 1,412 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns. He followed that impressive campaign with 1,223 rushing yards and 13 rushing scores last season, alongside a career-high 616 receiving yards.
This evolving dynamic within the Lions' backfield has fuelled speculation about Montgomery's future, but the player himself has now categorically denied any intention to seek a trade, reaffirming his commitment to the Detroit franchise amidst swirling rumours.
