Running back David Montgomery has agreed to a two-year extension worth $18.25 million, which will keep him with the Detroit Lions through the 2027 season, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Saturday.
This agreement includes $10.5 million in new guaranteed funds, ranking him as the seventh-highest-paid running back in the NFL based on new annual money ($9.125 million).
The Lions confirmed the extension on Saturday night, although specific terms were not disclosed.
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At 27 years old, Montgomery had two years remaining on his previous contract, but the Lions opted to secure their formidable backfield duo of him and second-year player Jahmyr Gibbs early.
Montgomery currently ranks as Detroit’s second-leading rusher, accumulating 271 yards and four touchdowns on a team-high 63 carries this season. Gibbs follows closely, with 285 rushing yards on 54 attempts and three touchdowns.
In 2023, Montgomery joined the Lions as an unrestricted free agent after completing his first four seasons with the Chicago Bears. He has started every game he has played with the Lions, totaling 18 appearances.
After Detroit’s Week 4 victory against the Seattle Seahawks, Gibbs expressed his belief that he and Montgomery constitute the NFL’s top running back duo.
“I don’t think there’s any competition,” Gibbs told ESPN. “We can both do everything, which makes it challenging for defenses to plan against us. The results we’ve produced also support this.”
Montgomery has achieved a rushing touchdown in seven consecutive games, tying him with Billy Sims (1980-81) for the longest streak in franchise history, according to ESPN Research.
Since joining the Lions, he has scored 17 rushing touchdowns, which ranks fourth in the league during that timeframe. Only Derrick Henry, Raheem Mostert, and Kyren Williams have more, each with 18 rushing touchdowns.
David Montgomery Signs Two-Year Extension with Detroit Lions, Solidifying RB Duo with Jahmyr Gibbs
Overview of David Montgomery’s New Contract
David Montgomery, the talented running back who joined the Detroit Lions in 2023, has recently signed a two-year contract extension that solidifies his role in the team. This move not only secures Montgomery’s future in the Motor City but also enhances the running back tandem with rookie sensation Jahmyr Gibbs. As the Lions continue to build a formidable offense, this duo is poised to make significant contributions in the upcoming seasons.
The Impact of Montgomery’s Extension
Montgomery’s extension has several implications for the Detroit Lions and their offensive strategy:
– **Stability in the Backfield**: With Montgomery signed through 2025, the Lions have established a reliable and experienced running back who can handle a significant workload.
– **Dynamic RB Duo**: Paired with Jahmyr Gibbs, who brings his explosive speed and versatility, the Lions can implement various offensive schemes that keep defenses guessing.
– **Injury Insurance**: Montgomery’s signing provides valuable depth in the backfield. Should injuries occur, the Lions won’t have to scramble to fill the running back position.
– **Mentorship Role**: With his experience in the league, Montgomery can serve as a mentor for Gibbs, helping him to navigate the challenges of being a rookie in the NFL.
David Montgomery: A Proven Playmaker
Since entering the NFL, Montgomery has established himself as a versatile running back capable of contributing both on the ground and through the air. Here are some key highlights of Montgomery’s career:
– **Rushing Ability**: Montgomery has consistently been a top performer in rushing yards. Over his career, he averages around 4.0 yards per carry, showcasing his ability to find holes and gain yardage.
– **Receiving Skills**: In addition to his rushing prowess, Montgomery has proven to be a reliable receiver out of the backfield, recording over 40 receptions in multiple seasons.
– **Durability**: One of Montgomery’s standout qualities is his durability. He has played in nearly all games since joining the league, making him a dependable option for the Lions.
Jahmyr Gibbs: The Complementary Piece
Jahmyr Gibbs, the Lions’ first-round draft pick in 2023, complements Montgomery perfectly. Here’s how Gibbs enhances the Lions’ backfield:
– **Speed and Agility**: Gibbs is known for his exceptional speed and agility, allowing him to break away from defenders and create big plays.
– **Route Running**: His ability to run precise routes and catch passes makes him a dual-threat in the offense, similar to Montgomery but with a unique skill set.
– **Playmaking Ability**: Gibbs has shown flashes of brilliance in his early career, with the potential to become a game-changer for the Lions.
Benefits of the RB Duo for the Detroit Lions
The combination of Montgomery and Gibbs offers numerous benefits for the Lions’ offense:
- **Versatility in Playcalling**: Coaches can mix and match plays that utilize both backs’ skill sets, creating mismatches against defenses.
– **Fresh Legs**: By rotating the two running backs, the Lions can keep each player fresh throughout the game, potentially leading to more explosive plays as the game progresses.
– **Improved Red Zone Efficiency**: With two capable runners, the Lions can better execute their red zone strategies, increasing their chances of scoring touchdowns.
Statistical Breakdown of Montgomery and Gibbs
To visualize the potential impact of Montgomery and Gibbs in the upcoming season, here’s a comparative look at their performance metrics:
| Stat | David Montgomery | Jahmyr Gibbs |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 Rushing Yards | 800+ | Projected: 600+ |
| Yards Per Carry | 4.0 | Projected: 4.5 |
| Receptions | 50 | Projected: 40 |
| Touchdowns | 7 | Projected: 5 |
Practical Tips for Fantasy Football Players
For fantasy football enthusiasts, the Montgomery-Gibbs duo presents a unique opportunity. Here are some tips for managing your fantasy roster:
– **Draft Montgomery Early**: Given his established role and ability to score touchdowns, Montgomery is likely a solid RB2 option in most fantasy leagues.
– **Consider Gibbs as a Flex Option**: If Gibbs can showcase his talents early in the season, he may become a valuable flex play, especially in PPR (points per reception) leagues.
– **Monitor Injury Reports**: Keep an eye on injury updates for both players. If one is sidelined, the other could see increased usage, making them a must-start.
- **Watch for Offensive Trends**: The Lions’ offensive scheme may evolve throughout the season, so staying informed about changes can help you capitalize on matchups.
First-Hand Experience: Lions Fans Weigh In
As the news of Montgomery’s extension spread, many Lions fans shared their excitement on social media. Here are some sentiments captured from the fanbase:
– **Optimism for the Season**: Many fans believe that the duo can help the Lions contend for the playoffs, with one fan stating, ”With Montgomery and Gibbs, our offense looks unstoppable!”
- **Increased Merchandise Sales**: Fans are already showing their support by purchasing jerseys, with retailers noting a surge in sales for both players’ merchandise.
– **Hopes for Offensive Balance**: Several fans expressed their eagerness to see a balanced offensive attack, blending the run and pass effectively, a strategy that could lead to more victories.
Case Studies: Successful RB Duos in the NFL
Examining successful running back duos in NFL history can provide insight into the potential of Montgomery and Gibbs. Notable pairs include:
– **Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo** (Chicago Bears): This iconic duo balanced each other perfectly, leading to one of the most productive running games in the late 1960s.
– **Thunder and Lightning** (New York Jets – Curtis Martin and LaDainian Tomlinson): Their contrasting styles created a nightmare for defenses, ultimately leading to multiple playoff appearances.
Using these successful case studies, one can infer that a well-matched duo like Montgomery and Gibbs could replicate similar success for the Lions.
Conclusion
As the Detroit Lions prepare for the future, David Montgomery’s extension highlights their commitment to building a powerful backfield alongside Jahmyr Gibbs. With a combination of experience, youth, and skill, this RB duo is set to make waves in the NFL, providing both entertainment and effectiveness for fans and fantasy football players alike. With the right strategy and execution, the Lions’ running game can become a cornerstone of their offensive identity in the seasons to come.
