Detroit Backfield in Turmoil as One Montgomery Like Sparks Trade Buzz

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The Detroit Lions’ playoff dreams are officially over, but their drama meter just went through the roof thanks to one tiny social media click. Running back David Montgomery has liked an Instagram comment suggesting he should ask for a trade after the season, and Lions fans instantly went full detective mode. That one innocent looking tap turned into a breaking news storm, summed up perfectly by

David Montgomery liked this Instagram reply… pic.twitter.com/k66DFcbTJp
— 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔇𝔢𝔱𝔯𝔬𝔦𝔱 𝔗𝔦𝔪𝔢𝔰 📰 (@the_det_times) December 23, 2025

And just like that, the rumor mill started spinning faster than a two minute drill.

Montgomery’s NFL journey has never been boring. A third round pick in the 2019 Draft, he started his career with the Chicago Bears before moving to Detroit and forming a lethal one two punch with first round star Jahmyr Gibbs. In 2023 and 2024, that duo terrorized defenses around the league. Everyone knew the run was coming, but stopping it was another story. Fast forward to 2025 and the picture looks very different. Gibbs is still playing like an elite weapon, but Montgomery has quietly slipped into a much smaller role. With only one game left, he is on pace for career lows in both rushing yards and attempts. For a seven year veteran, that kind of drop can feel like being benched without actually sitting down.

That is why the trade talk suddenly feels so real. Montgomery may not bring in a massive haul, but in a committee backfield he is still extremely valuable. He can block, he can grind out tough yards, and he knows how to survive in high pressure situations. For teams trying to make a playoff push but lacking a reliable running back, Montgomery would be an easy upgrade. From the Lions’ side, it also makes sense. They are clearly building their offense around Gibbs, and saving cap space while grabbing future draft picks could be a smart move.

Still, it is wild that the entire debate is fueled by one tiny digital thumbs up. Players always say social media does not tell the full story, but fans know that sometimes it tells a little too much. Did Montgomery really mean to send a message, or was it just a moment of late night frustration mixed with scrolling? We will find out soon enough when the offseason begins. Until then, Lions fans will keep refreshing their feeds, and the NFL rumor machine will keep churning like it is already mid March.

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