The Detroit Lions and running back David Montgomery agreed to a two-year, $18.25 million contract extension on Saturday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Schefter noted that the extension includes $10.5 million in new guaranteed money.
Montgomery still had two seasons remaining on a three-year deal worth $18 million that he signed with Detroit as a free agent during the 2023 offseason, meaning that his new extension will keep him under contract through his 2027 campaign.
With Jahmyr Gibbs still on his rookie contract and a potential fifth-year option for the 2027 season, the Lions will keep one of the league’s top running back duos together for several years to come.
Montgomery’s first season in Detroit was undoubtedly a success, as he rushed for 1,015 yards on 219 carries while finding the end zone 13 times. He averaged 4.7 yards per carry in three playoff games, helping the Lions reach the NFC Championship Game.
The 27-year-old is off to another strong start in 2024, picking up 271 yards on the ground to go along with four touchdowns in four appearances. He’s also made an impact as a receiver, catching nine passes for 94 yards which included a hard-fought 40-yard gain against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4.
“I mean this guy is unbelievable, he is,” Lions head coach Dan Campbell said after the game, per Tim Twentyman of the team’s official website. “I would never not block for that guy, ever because the play is never over with him, it’s just not, it is not over. He’ll keep any play alive. He’s a strong runner.”
Montgomery and Gibbs have been dominant on the ground to open the year, with Detroit owning the league’s seventh-best rushing attack to go along with a 3-1 record.
They’re also the only two running backs on the same team to rank within the top 20 of the NFL’s total rushing leaders, which is even more impressive considering the Lions are coming off a Week 5 bye.
Montgomery has been a key piece of Detroit’s rushing offense since he joined the team as a free agent, and he was rewarded with a new two-year extension on Saturday.
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