Story byIan CasselberryContributing writerSun, March 1, 2026 at 5:57 PM UTC·3 min readDetroit Lions running back David Montgomery is denying a report that he wants to be traded or released by the team. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that Montgomery "wants out" of Detroit after his role was reduced in the Lions' offense last season. Rumors at the NFL scouting combine were that the Lions would seek a Day 3 draft pick, likely a fifth-round selection, in return for the seven-year veteran. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHowever, Montgomery himself responded to a tweet aggregating Fowler's report and implied that it wasn't true, posting "Damn, Dmo told you that?"Montgomery, who turns 29 in June, appeared in all 17 games for Detroit last season. He didn't start any of those games after starting 28 during the previous two years with the Lions, with Jahmyr Gibbs getting the nod.[Watch Yahoo Sports Network]In his third season with Detroit, Montgomery finished with 27 fewer carries and 59 fewer yards than in 2024, not a drastic drop in either category.