Longtime NFL running back David Montgomery has signed a new contract with the Detroit Lions. Montgomery, a former third-round pick, has spent the entirety of his career with the Chicago Bears.
The #Lions land one of the top backs on the market. It's a 3-year deal worth $18M, source said. https://t.co/Z0MW6a7iY7
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2023
David Montgomery, Detroit Lions, Agree to Contract
David Montgomery hits free agency after yet another solid season. Starting and appearing in 16 of a possible 17 games, the running back finished his season with 801 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 201 attempts to go along with 34 receptions for 316 yards and another score through the air. The veteran spent most of the season in a timeshare with Khalil Herbert but earned a larger role after Herbert suffered a season-ending injury against the Detroit Lions.
Montgomery originally entered the NFL as a third-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Selected by the Chicago Bears, the Iowa State product immediately earned a large role in the offense. As a rookie, Montgomery finished the season with 889 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 242 carries. Additionally, the rookie added another 25 receptions for 185 yards and a touchdown through the air.
Montgomery built on his impressive rookie season to earn the full-time starting job in 2020. Starting and appearing in 15 games, the Iowa State product finished the season with 1,070 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 247 carries to go along with 54 receptions for 438 yards and two receiving touchdowns. All of these figures remain career highs to this day.
Montgomery’s role decreased in 2021, but he still remained the primary starter. Paired with a rookie Khalil Herbert, Montgomery played in 13 games while recording 849 yards and seven touchdowns on 225 carries. Of course, Montgomery remained reliable through the air, hauling in 34 receptions for 316 yards and a touchdown on 40 targets.
Throughout the course of his four-year career, David Montgomery has played in 60 games while making 52 starts. While on the field, the running back has recorded 3,609 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns on 915 carries to go along with 155 receptions for 1,240 yards and four touchdowns.
Main Photo: Matt Marton – USA Today Sports
