Lions Sign Former Bears RB David Montgomery

March 15, 1:57 am ET

Chicago Bears RB David Montgomery

Photo: USA Today Sports Images

NFL Offseason - The Detroit Lions are set to sign former Chicago Bears running back to a three-year deal worth $18 million, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter. Montgomery's contract guarantees him $11 million.

The Chicago Bears drafted Montgomery 73rd overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, appearing in 60 games over his time with the Bears. Montgomery has recorded at least 200 carries in each of his four seasons, with 2022's 201 carries the fewest in his career.

Montgomery posted a career-high 66 rushing DYAR in 2022, good for 25th among qualified running backs. He also posted a second-best 33.9% receiving DVOA among running backs, reeling in 40 catches for 316 yards.

Acquiring Montgomery likely means the Detroit Lions are out on free agent running back Jamaal Williams. In his second year with the Lions, Williams posted a career-best 78 DYAR en route to a league-leading 17 rushing touchdowns.

Comments

4 comments, Last at 16 Mar 2023, 10:29pm

#1 by big10freak // Mar 15, 2023 - 4:04am

Just a heads up that the headline is incorrect

#2 by Joey-Harringto… // Mar 15, 2023 - 7:17am

Do not like. Too much money, and also means means Jamaal Williams is gone (yea I know he’s 3 years older and due for some hard TD regression, but he’s fun to have around!). Would have preferred they just drafted someone on day 2 or 3.

#4 by LionInAZ // Mar 16, 2023 - 10:29pm

Not sure I agree. Montgomery was better than Williams in most aspects except TDs and success rate, and better than Swift in receiving stats. I doubt that Williams can repeat his TD numbers in the future.

#3 by TomC // Mar 15, 2023 - 8:32am

As a Bears fan, I understand it but also don't like it. Herbert is a better runner, but someone needs to teach him how to block and catch passes pronto.