The Detroit Lions are 8-2 through 11 weeks in 2023, their best record in that timeframe in the Super Bowl era. A big reason why has been their run game, led by Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.
Gibbs was taken in the top 15 of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Alabama. In eight games, he has rushed 98 times for 512 yards and five touchdowns. He also adds 37 receptions for 259 yards. On the other hand, Montgomery was a free agency acquisition. In seven games, he has 118 carries for 577 yards and eight touchdowns.
But Detroit sat just outside the top 10 in rushing yards per game in 2022 — why did the Lions sign Montgomery the following offseason?
Why Did the Detroit Lions Sign David Montgomery?
Montgomery signed a three-year, $18 million deal with the Lions back in March. This was a move made in response to letting Jamaal Williams walk in free agency.
Williams had spent two seasons in Detroit. He was responsible for 1,667 yards and 20 touchdowns on 415 carries. Seventeen of those came in 2022. Williams signed with the New Orleans Saints on a three-year deal of his own, worth $12 million.
The Lions then paired Montgomery with former second-round pick, D’Andre Swift … or that’s what people thought.
The Lions surprised the world when they decided to draft Gibbs. They traded the sixth and 81st picks to the Arizona Cardinals for Nos. 12 and 34 and selected Gibbs with the 12th overall pick. This gave them Montgomery, Gibbs, and Swift.
MORE: Detroit Lions Depth Chart
Ultimately, though, the drafting of Gibbs led to the end of the Swift era in Detroit. Just a couple of days later, on Day 3 of the NFL Draft, the Lions traded Swift to the Philadelphia Eagles for a fourth-round pick in 2025 and a seventh-rounder in 2023 (No. 219). Detroit also sent Philadelphia a 2023 seventh-round pick (No. 249).
Swift had spent three seasons in Detroit, where he had 364 carries for 1,680 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also had 156 receptions for 1,198 yards and seven touchdowns.
It took a few weeks, but after returning from injury, the Lions were able to have Gibbs and Montgomery co-exist and succeed together.
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