The Detroit Lions just signed David Montgomery on a three-year deal with $18 million. The former Chicago Bears running back will be changing scenery for the first time in his NFL career, and he will be hoping that it gives him some renewed productivity.
The Lions will hope that Montgomery had better luck with injuries compared to his time in Chicago when he suffered numerous spells on the sidelines. Montgomery has been sidelined due to arm, groin, head, knee, and ankle injuries in his four-year NFL career.
This has caused him to miss six NFL games in four years and occasionally alter his side's game plan. The Iowa State University alum has never posted below 800 rushing yards in a season, but he has only put up 1000+ yards once in his career. Hopefully, the injury gods will smile on this Pro Bowl-caliber talent for the sake of the Detroit Lions.
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What to expect from David Montgomery in Chicago?
David Montgomery is a versatile, fast, and sturdy running back who can beat opposing defenses in many ways. The Iowa State University alum has broken the 1,000+ total yardage mark in every single season since he got drafted, and he has always been a stellar option on the offense.
The Detroit Lions need a player like him in the backfield, as he could provide a safety blanket for Jared Goff moving forward.
Also, Montgomery is only 25 years old, meaning he is approaching his peak as an NFL-caliber running back. He will be under contract until the season where he would be 28 years of age, and this deal could prove to be a steal in the long run.
Montgomery might be what the Lions need to make the playoffs finally, or he'll be an underwhelming addition to a franchise that regularly flexes only to falter. All in all, David Montgomery's addition is smart by the Detroit Lions and at a budget price.
So, you can expect a passionate and motivated David Montgomery to have one or more Pro Bowl seasons as a member of the Detroit Lions.
David Montgomery's stats in Chicago
The Chicago Bears drafted David Montgomery as the 73rd overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft. He was selected in the third round, so he already entered the league with something to prove.
Montgomery did a great job at quieting his detractors and was everywhere for the Bears in his rookie season. He put up a stat line of 242 rush attempts, 889 rushing yards, and six touchdowns for his first season at the pros. He also tabled 185 receiving yards and one receiving TD for good measure.
Since his mostly injury-free rookie year, Montgomery has racked up yards in the National Football League. He has totalled 915 rush attempts, 3,609 rushing yards, and 26 rushing touchdowns. He has also added 155 receptions and 1,240 receiving yards in 60 games.
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