David Montgomery wanted to stay in Chicago, but the former 3rd round pick knew he had to do what his best for himself and his family. This would likely be the only time he’d get a solid contract in free agency. He would have to test the market and take the best deal possible. Everybody knows what happened from there. The Detroit Lions, having lost starter Jamaal Williams, made a strong push to bring Montgomery north. The two sides agreed to a three-year deal that put him in blue and silver. It was a tough pill to swallow for Bears fans.
What nobody knew at the time was it almost became so much worse. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune dropped some unexpected information on the Montgomery situation. It turns out Detroit wasn’t the only NFC North team that made a push for the running back.
As I understand it, Montgomery had a number of suitors in free agency, including the Bears. Three-fourths of the NFC North was interested in signing him. The Bears, the Detroit Lions (where he landed) and Minnesota Vikings were all in the mix. Montgomery scored an $18 million, three-year contract from the Lions, and what’s notable is the deal includes $8.75 million fully guaranteed and another $2.25 million is fully guaranteed if he’s on the roster on the third day of the 2024 league year. The Bears’ offer to Montgomery, according to a source, did not include any guaranteed money beyond Year 1 of the deal.
The Vikings being interested is unusual. They already have a strong running back tandem in Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison. It’s difficult to see where Montgomery would’ve factored into that picture. Regardless, it’s good he didn’t go there.
Seeing David Montgomery in purple would’ve been too much.
Bears fans and Lions don’t get along for obvious reasons, but the hatred between the two sides pales in comparison to how much Chicago hates Vikings fans. Seeing #32 in purple would’ve been nauseating. Thankfully the Lions helped to avoid that nightmare scenario. As to what Montgomery will accomplish there, it’s hard to say. He’ll probably have the best offensive line he’s played with since joining the NFL. However, he’ll also be sharing carries with DeAndre Swift. It’s likely the Lions see him as a replacement for Williams as their red zone and short-yardage guy.
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The Bears have already moved forward. They still have Khalil Herbert and brought in reinforcements with D’Onta Foreman from Carolina. They should make a formidable tandem if both stay healthy. Improvements to the offensive line should be forthcoming as well. While Detroit has the better odds of winning the division this year, Chicago has no reason to think they’re far behind. A strong draft next month can put them in a position to start their climb out of the cellar. It’s unfortunate David Montgomery won’t be around to see it.
I like Monty. Great teammate and a tough runner. But I admit I think Foreman might actually be an upgrade. Similar style RB’s, but Foreman is a bit bigger and a good bit faster. He has underrated vision as well.
Good for him. Great dude, good back, nice pay-day. I’ll be rooting for him 15 times per year.
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