Lions sign RB David Montgomery to a two-year extension worth $18.5 million

The Detroit Lions have signed running back David Montgomery to a two-year contract extension.

The news of the extension was first reported by the team’s radio broadcaster, Dan Miller. ESPN’s Adam Schefter followed up by providing terms of the deal for two years and $18.25 million with $10.5 million guaranteed.

Montgomery initially joined the Lions before the 2023 season, signing a three-year, $18 million free-agent deal after four seasons with the Chicago Bears. He is in the second year of that contract, which runs through the 2025 season.

Now, 18 games into his career with Detroit, Montgomery has rushed for 1,286 yards (4.6 yards per carry average) and 17 touchdowns. He has 211 yards receiving on 25 receptions.

Montgomery signed to add more speed to the backfield and has formed a powerful running back tandem with Jahmyr Gibbs that provides a different look to opposing defenses. The two have helped build the Lions into one of the NFC’s top contenders.

Montgomery typically grinds out the tough yards between the tackles, often taking tacklers for extra yards or breaking off an explosive gain. Gibbs provides a change of pace as an outside threat and productive receiver. He rushed for 1,230 yards and 13 touchdowns in 19 games with the Lions, adding 392 yards and two scores on 63 catches.

The Lions have signed several of their top offensive players to contract extensions dating back to the offseason, including quarterback Jared Goff, offensive tackles Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker, and receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.