Lions Offseason Positional Analysis: RBs

This is the second in our series of roster analysis by position group for the 2026 offseason leading up to Free Agency and the NFL draft. Today’s focus will be on the RB room, currently the one position with the most stability to it, which could turn volatile really quick depending on how the David Montgomery situation turns out and whether any of the depth guys aren’t what the new OC is looking for.

Gibbs and Montgomery with their Alter Egos (NFL/X)

RBs

Under Contract:

• Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Sione Vaki, Jacob Saylors (Re-Signed ERFA), Jabari Small (Futures)

Free Agents:

• None

Analysis:

The Lions currently have a full stable of RBs, with Gibbs and Montgomery as the top two, and Saylors, Vaki and Small building out the depth and Special teams. We have already covered the David Montgomery situation in depth, so we will outline below if he stays, if he goes and who else may be on the move. A new wrinkle for this crew has come in the form of new OC Drew Petzing (and Offensive Assistant Mike Kafka), and if any of the current backs are not a great schematic fit for what he is looking to do.

Options W/Montgomery:

The most likely scenario, and the one that makes the most sense for all parties involved is that Montgomery stays put under his current deal for 2026, and the Lions will look to improve the bottom of the roster depth (Saylors and Small) with upgrades. That means a player familiar with either Petzing or Kafka’s expectations and play calling that is a great Special teamer and can also carry the load in a pinch. Otherwise, the only other prior player for either coach that may make sense is Emari Demercado of the Arizona Cardinals. I mentioned him in the David Montgomery piece, as his production when give a chance to play has been lights out both rushing and receiving. Otherwise, former Lions players such as Zonovan Knight and Jemar Jefferson offer similar skillsets at an older age that either Saylors or Small. If Lions opt to invest in a back in the draft, I would suspect it would come in the 6th (3 picks), 7th (1 pick) or UDFAs, where there are quite a few intriguing guys that are big, fast and have good skillsets. This would be to displace Small or Saylors at the bottom of the depth chart.

• FAs: Emari Demercado, Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, Dameon Pierce (Injury Concerns), Michael Carter Injury Concerns)

• Draft Pick: Rueben Owens (UDFA), Terrion Stewart (5th), Byron Caldwell Jr, Roman Hemby (UDFA), LJ Johnson Jr (UDFA), Alton McCaskill (UDFA)

Options W/O Montgomery:

This is where it gets tricky. With the hiring of Drew Petzing, as OC, a run-first mentality guy, having Sonic and Knuckles back for one more ride seems like a must for success. However, if Montgomery decides he still needs to move on and the Lions allow that to happen, then they will be looking for a No. 2 RB that can complement Jahmyr Gibbs. That increases the chances Lions need to invest via draft pick (likely 3rd, 4th, 5th rds.) rather than a free agent, but there are some decent FAs that are short-term (one-year deal) and long-term (2 or 3-year deal outlying some money) options that can be had to fill the Monty Role as No. 2 Back.

• Short-Term FAs: Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, Dameon Pierce (Injury Concerns), Michael Carter (Injury Concerns), Craig Reynolds

• Long-Term FAs: Travis Etienne, Kenneth Gainwell, Rachad White, Isiah Pacheco, Kenneth Walker III

• Draft Pick: Emmett Johnson (3rd), Kaytron Allen (3rd), Nicholas Singleton (3rd), Mike Washington Jr (4th), Terrion Stewart (5th), Rueben Owens (UDFA), Byron Caldwell Jr (UDFA)

Bottom Line:

I think the Lions will do what is best for the organization and keep Montgomery for 2026, trying to balance the load more with Petzing’s sets and play calling and both players will thrive. There WILL be a change at the bottom of the roster, with Vaki likely safe (unless his injuries continue), but Small and/or Saylors will attempt to be replaced by a Free Agent that is probably familiar to Petzing or Kafka and has five tool abilities. I wouldn’t expect to burn a draft pick on a RB unless there is one of such great value available that they cannot pass him up, which would be a guy that can run, catch, pass block and has exceptional vision.

In the end, I think that Gibbs, Montgomery and Vaki will be the top three, with one of Saylors or Small replaced with one of Petzing’s or Kafka’s previous RBs in FA or an UDFA.