Grading Lions' Signing of RB David Montgomery

All Lions provides its grade for the Detroit Lions' signing of former Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery.

The Detroit Lions have nabbed a back from their division rivals. 

On Tuesday night, the Lions reportedly came to terms on a three-year, $18 million contract with Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery. Per ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, the contract includes $11 million guaranteed.

The Montgomery signing likely spells the end of Jamaal Williams' time in Detroit, a disappointing development for many Lions fans who fell in love with Williams' eccentric personality and on-field production the past two years.

I understand it's going to be hard for a large sect of the Detroit fanbase to say goodbye to Williams. However, guess what: Montgomery is an upgrade over the Lions fan favorite. 

Montgomery is not only younger (he'll be 26 entering the 2023 season, whereas Williams will be 28), but he's also the better all-around back.

Sure, Williams outperformed him this past season, rushing for 1,066 yards, 17 touchdowns and 4.1 yards per carry. In contrast, Montgomery ran for 801 yards, five touchdowns and 4.0 yards a carry.

However, over the course of their respective careers, Montgomery, a third-round pick of the Bears in 2019, has shown more of the ability to be a bell-cow back. 

Since entering the league, Montgomery has recorded north of 200 rush attempts each season. Meanwhile, prior to the 2022 campaign, Williams hadn't ever done it. He logged a career-high 262 carries this past season.

It's no major slight against Williams. Remember, he was never the No. 1 back during his four seasons in Green Bay (with Aaron Jones also in the Packers' backfield). And, Williams only took on the role out of necessity during the 2022 season, due to D'Andre Swift's inability to stay healthy.

Yet, it's still a sign of the fact that Montgomery can be more easily counted on to handle the duties of a lead back. 

In 60 career games, Montgomery has accumulated 3,609 yards and 26 touchdowns on the ground, to go along with 3.9 yards per carry. Meanwhile, Williams has produced 3,652 yards and 30 touchdowns on the ground in 30 more career games (90 total). He's also averaged 4.0 yards per carry.

Montgomery also possesses the ability to be more prolific as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. For instance, during his 1,000-yard rushing campaign in 2020, he also amassed 54 receptions and 438 yards. 

All in all, Montgomery is a superior back to Williams. And, when you rid yourself of your emotional tie to Williams, you'll see that Detroit has clearly upgraded its running backs room with the acquisition of the former Bears runner.

I'll give Detroit an "A-" for the signing of Montgomery.