David Montgomery

Trade: David Montgomery ↔ Drake London

Lions Comfortable with Jacob Saylors as the No. 2 Running Back

Detroit Lions running back Jacob Saylors has carried the ball only twice since coming into the league as an undrafted free agent in 2023, but he could open the season as the team's primary backup behind three-time Pro Bowler Jahmyr Gibbs. After trading away veteran David Montgomery, the Lions signed Isiah Pacheco (back, knee) to a one-year free agent deal, but with the former Chief dealing with back and knee injuries and his Week 1 availability up in the air, head coach Dan Campbell told reporters on Saturday that he'd be comfortable playing Saylors in that role if necessary, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. "I'm comfortable with those guys. And I just like the thought of having a guy in our system, think that's important. Knows our terminology, knows our guys, knows the protections. Just kind of knows it all, man. Understands our quarterback and how he thinks. I just think that's important." Saylors, who has seen the Lions' heaviest running back rush share in each of the past two preseasons, ran for 100 yards on 17 carries in Saturday's 25-16 win over the Colts, and he is now a player to pay attention to as a potentially critical handcuff to begin the 2026 season

Predicting first-time NFL All-Pros at every offensive position: Caleb Williams, Jahmyr Gibbs among young stars

There were 11 NFL players whose stellar performance earned them inclusion on the Associated Press' All-Pro teams for the first time last season. That's nearly a quarter of the prior year's first and second teams that were turned over. With that in mind, CBS Sports explores which offensive players may be next to blossom and reach All-Pro status: Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert have yet to make an All-Pro appearance, so those are options for this category, but also not in the spirit of the exercise. The intended purpose is to project a player who has yet to reach his peak. Caleb Williams ' first season under head coach Ben Johnson was fruitful, but the encore should be even better if his offensive line protection holds up. Williams has a better understanding of the offense and has had more time to develop relationships with primary pass catchers Rome Odunze , Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland . The key for the USC product will be finding consistency while maintaining the ability to make downfield plays late in the down of which others are incapable. Six of the nine quarterbacks who were named All-Pros over the past five years were first-round picks. Williams was the No. 1 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft . Jahmyr Gibbs is the running back most likely to be named an All-Pro who has not already been so. Although the team signed Isiah Pacheco in free agency, the trade of veteran David Montgomery feels like Gibbs taking ownership of the role in the Motor City. The franchise is hoping the arrival of new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing can re-instill some of the magic that departed with Johnson. Gibbs has accounted for 1,800-plus all-purpose yards in each of the past two years. A candle is still lit for Ashton Jeanty, and while the trio of Quinshon Judkins , Breece Hall and De'Von Achane have battled injuries, they are more than capable of ascending to this level. As you're reading this, Arizona's Jeremiyah Love is dealing with a high ankle sprain, but he has three-down capabilities, and Arizona is clearly content giving him the bulk of the carries. Feature backs may be returning to the NFL. There have been at least a dozen 1,000-yard rushers in each of the past four seasons. There had been only two such seasons dating back to 2015. Of the nine running backs named All-Pros over the past five years, eight were taken in the first or second round; Kyren Williams ( Rams ), a fifth-round pick, was the exception. The only 6-foot-4 All-Pro receiver over the past five years was Tampa Bay's Mike Evans . Drake London would buck that trend. The former USC Trojan is entering his first season with Kevin Stefanski as head coach. Aside from tight end Kyle Pitts and London, Atlanta's pass catchers are Jahan Dotson , Olamide Zaccheaus and third-round pick Zachariah Branch . If London puts together a full season -- as opposed to the five games he missed last season -- then he may finish closer to the 158 targets he accumulated in 2024; in that season, he finished fourth in receiving yards. Thirteen of 17 All-Pro receivers have been taken in the top 100. When exploring the four who were not ( Stefon Diggs , Puka Nacua , Tyreek Hill and Amon-Ra St. Brown ), two likely would have been taken earlier if not for off-field concerns (Hill) and injuries (Nacua). The Texans ' Nico Collins and the Giants ' Malik Nabers are a few others who fit the mold of a first-time All-Pro. There is one less mouth to feed in Chicago's offense with DJ Moore traded to Buffalo, but wide receivers Luther Burden III and Rome Odunze may eat away at a portion of those newfound targets. Colston Loveland tallied 58 receptions for 713 yards and six touchdowns last season. Will new opportunities lead to the requisite statistics for him to ascend to All-Pro status? Green Bay's Tucker Kraft , Cleveland's Harold Fannin Jr . and Indianapolis' Tyler Warren are also worth consideration for the list. San Francisco's George Kittle is the only All-Pro tight end over [... truncated ...]

Trade: Kyler Murray ← David Montgomery

Raiders-49ers: Players I’m excited to see

7 players to watch

NFL top 100 of 2026: Where each Detroit Lions player ranked

A look at where every Detroit Lions player landed on the NFL Top 100 list for 2026, plus where they ranked by position

Isiah Pacheco Has MCL Sprain, Should Be Ready for Week 1

Detroit Lions running back Isiah Pacheco (knee) is dealing with a sprained MCL, but head coach Dan Campbell told the media that the team still feels good about his Week 1 availability, according to beat writer Nolan Bianchi. Pacheco signed a one-year deal in the offseason but having now missed a string of training camp practices, the Lions have leaned on third-year back Sione Vaki to handle an expanded workload as three-time Pro Bowler Jahmyr Gibbs ramps back up from an early training camp hold-in that resulted in him becoming the league's highest paid running back. After splitting the backfield with David Montgomery for his first three seasons, Gibbs is expected to handle close to a bell cow role in 2026, limiting Pacheco's standalone value but making him one of fantasy's most important handcuff backs and a player who can generally be found in the closing rounds of drafts as RotoBaller's RB44

David Montgomery, other teammates react to Jahmyr Gibbs’ extension

David Montgomery was one of many teammates that congratulated Detroit Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs on his extension

Jahmyr Gibbs agrees to three-year deal worth $22.5 million annually

Jahmyr Gibbs’ return to practice was a sign that a long-term deal with the Lions was close. Indeed, according to a source, the running back has agreed to a three-year, $67.5 million deal that could be worth up to $75.75 million. He will receive $51.5 million in guarantees. His deal follows Bijan Robinson and Jonathan Taylor’s agreements with their teams this week. Gibbs had been holding in as he sought a long-term deal with the team. Gibbs, 24, enters his fourth season after 3,580 rushing yards, 39 rushing touchdowns, 1,449 receiving yards and 10 receiving touchdowns in his first three seasons while sharing time with David Montgomery. The Lions traded Montgomery to the Texans in the offseason. Gibbs has earned Pro Bowl honors in all three of his NFL seasons after the Lions made him the 12th overall pick in 2023

When will the Lions and Jahmyr Gibbs get a deal done?

With the Falcons and running back Bijan Robinson working out a new contract, many assume that the Lions and running back Jahmyr Gibbs will go next — and quickly. And while it’s possible that having Robinson’s terms in place will make it easier for Gibbs, there’s an even better chance (as we understand it) that the Robinson contract will become an impediment. Yes, Robinson reset the market at the position, bumping the new-money APY from $20.6 million to $22.25 million. It’s hard to find much fault with a new record deal. But the market for running backs continues to languish. Sure, it’s gotten somewhat better in recent years. It’s still far behind where it should be. If Gibbs is determined to take it where it should go, the Robinson contract becomes a ball and chain to that effort. The Lions will say, “The market is the market.” They’ll assume it’s good enough to pay Gibbs $23 million per year in new money or maybe even $22.5 million or perhaps as little as $22.26 million. Gibbs can counter by pointing to his impact on the offense. In 2025, he had 1,929 yards from scrimmage and 20 total touchdowns. Last year, he had 1,839 yards from scrimmage and 18 total touchdowns. He finished third on the team in receiving yards, with 616. Then there’s the fact that the Lions have moved on from David Montgomery. They’ll rely even more on Gibbs in 2026. It gives Gibbs leverage. The team’s current posture fuels his case, too. They finished fourth in the NFC North last year. The offense, despite the presence of a weapon like Gibbs, sputtered relative to the Ben Johnson era. The Lions need the offense, and the team overall, to perform better this year. Another failure to make the playoffs will make key seats hot in 2027. That gives Gibbs even more leverage. From the franchise’s perspective, the Lions won’t want to blow up the running back market. Beyond the realities of the salary cap, other teams will frown upon a contract that makes it more expensive for them to sign their own running backs to new deals, since those players will say, “The market is the market.” It’s an example of the sometimes subtle, sometimes not, collusion that absolutely exists in the NFL. Teams that do unconventional things aren’t simply ridiculed by other clubs. They’re resented. An outlier deal makes it harder for the result of the league to do business on their terms. Through it all, the clock is ticking. The regular season is coming. The Lions need Gibbs on the practice field. They’ll need him to be playing in games. For Gibbs, who is 24 and has had three Pro Bowl seasons, this is his one chance to truly break the bank. He should hold firm for what he has earned, and what he has earned is objectively more than $22.56 million or $22.5 million or $23 million per year. On Tuesday, the Ravens gave receiver Zay Flowers a new deal worth $35 million per year in new money. And while it’s apples and oranges on the surface, all of the fruit ends up in the same basket. At this point in time, Gibbs is a much more valuable piece than Flowers. Why should the bright lines of the by-position market change that? It all comes down to Gibbs’s resolve. At some point, the Lions will have no choice but to blink. The question is whether he’ll hold firm until that happens. The predicament is one of the basic realities of the draft system. If a team turns its lottery ticket into a big winner (which the Lions did with Gibbs), the team ultimately pays the jackpot to the player. The better the player, the bigger the jackpot. And Gibbs is in line for a very big jackpot

Seth McGowan has Been Impressive in Training Camp

Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan continues to be impressed with Indianapolis Colts rookie running back Seth McGowan in training camp. When he was asked about McGowan on Tuesday, starting RB Jonathan Taylor compared McGowan's style to veteran RB David Montgomery. The 24-year-old seventh-rounder from the University of Kentucky is competing for change-of-pace touches with DJ Giddens behind Taylor in his first NFL season with the Colts in 2026. The RB2 role in Indy hasn't been fruitful for fantasy purposes as long as Taylor has been healthy, which means both McGowan and Giddens will probably go undrafted in most standard-sized 12-team leagues this fall. In his final collegiate season with Kentucky in 2025, McGowan ran for 725 yards and a career-high 12 touchdowns on 165 rushing attempts, adding 19 receptions for 126 yards through the air in 11 games played. McGowan isn't much of a third-down back, so his best path to fantasy value will probably be as a goal-line vulture in Indy as he looks to earn more work behind Taylor

It's a league-losing mistake to you pass on Jahmyr Gibbs as the No. 1 pick in 2026 Fantasy Football drafts

Jahmyr Gibbs is projected to be the top overall pick in 2026 fantasy football drafts, edging out Bijan Robinson due to superior fantasy points per touch and scoring potential. Gibbs has demonstrated remarkable efficiency and a higher touchdown rate, positioning him as the preferred choice for fantasy owners

Fantasy Football NFC North Snapshot: 1 key nugget from each team going into 2026

Scott Pianowski shares one thing that stands out for fantasy football for each NFC North team going into 2026

Jerry Jeudy denies taking sides in Browns QB battle after viral clip

Jerry Jeudy isn't taking sides, even if social media is trying to say otherwise. The Cleveland Browns receiver is not a fan of a viral video that appears to show him revealing his preference for the team's starting quarterback in 2026 . Jeudy was asked who should be the starter for Cleveland and flashed four fingers in the TikTok video. Many saw that as an indication of Jeudy leaning towards Deshaun Watson in the quarterback competition since he is No. 4. However, there is a cut in the video and the question is no longer on the screen when Jeudy holds up the four fingers. The receiver fired back on social media, criticizing the idea that he was taking a stand on that topic. "Yall just be lying so much for what??" Jeudy said first in a series of posts on X on July 26 . The receiver also replied to the viral post from ESPN Cleveland, pointing out that the video was edited. "Yall cut the clip perfectly for that narrative," Jeudy said . OT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans) CB Trent McDuffie: Traded to Los Angeles Rams (previous team: Kansas City Chiefs) RB David Montgomery: Traded to Houston Texans (previous team: Detroit Lions) WR DJ Moore: Traded to Buffalo Bills (previous team: Chicago Bears) OT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans) OT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans) CB Trent McDuffie: Traded to Los Angeles Rams (previous team: Kansas City Chiefs) RB David Montgomery: Traded to Houston Texans (previous team: Detroit Lions) WR DJ Moore: Traded to Buffalo Bills (previous team: Chicago Bears) The Browns ' quarterback competition is expected to ramp up with training camp getting underway. It is considered an open competition for the job, despite centering around Watson and Shedeur Sanders all offseason. New head coach Todd Monken will also evaluate Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green during the process. Monken and his staff will eventually make that decision, something Jeudy made clear he won't have a say in. "I don't speak on decisions that aren't mine to make," Jeudy said in another post to X . "I support my teammates/Brothers, I do my job, and control what I can control. Let's stop creating narrative that aren't there for likes and clicks. I bet this won't go viral because it's too positive/real for y'all." As it stands, Jeudy has some competition of his own to focus on. The Browns drafted two receivers, KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston , in the first two rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft. Luckily for the veteran receiver, that is something he does have control over. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jerry Jeudy denies taking sides in Browns QB battle after viral clip

Commanders part ways with TE coach prior to start of training camp

The Washington Commanders have parted ways with tight ends coach Ben Steele, the team announced . Washington added that it will have no further comment at this time. Steele violated team policy, according to The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala . Virginia court records viewed by USA TODAY Sports show that Steele was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated and faces additional charges for refusing to take a blood/breath test and obstructing or resisting an officer without force. Steele was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in Loudoun General District Court at 1:30 p.m. ET on Aug. 13 for a hearing. Jhabvala reported that Steele informed the team of his arrest and was placed on paid leave. Wes Welker served as the team's tight ends coach during minicamp and head coach Dan Quinn is expected to announce Steele's replacement on July 28, the same day that veterans report to training camp. Steele was just hired by the Commanders earlier this offseason. He previously served as the Arizona Cardinals tight end coach for the last three seasons. Steele also worked as an assistant offensive line coach with the Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings prior to that. OT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans) CB Trent McDuffie: Traded to Los Angeles Rams (previous team: Kansas City Chiefs) RB David Montgomery: Traded to Houston Texans (previous team: Detroit Lions) WR DJ Moore: Traded to Buffalo Bills (previous team: Chicago Bears) OT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans) OT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans) CB Trent McDuffie: Traded to Los Angeles Rams (previous team: Kansas City Chiefs) RB David Montgomery: Traded to Houston Texans (previous team: Detroit Lions) WR DJ Moore: Traded to Buffalo Bills (previous team: Chicago Bears) This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Commanders part ways with TE coach prior to start of training camp

NFL vibe check: Ranking teams from uninspiring Colts to Giants rebirth

The article ranks NFL teams based on their 'vibe,' a combination of analytical factors and unspoken variables. It highlights the Colts' uninspiring outlook with no first-round pick and extensions for Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce, suggesting they are far from contending. The Dolphins are also mentioned as having a new energy

Where will the Lions’ offense rank in 2026?

The Detroit Lions' offense is poised for a strong showing in 2026, building on a top-10 performance last year. Key investments in the offensive line with Cade Mays and Blake Miller, coupled with a new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, offer optimism. However, the departure of David Montgomery in the backfield presents a notable challenge, though the team still boasts a top-10 quarterback, top-five receiver, and top-five tight end

Texans' stifling defense or Jags' star duo? Predicting the AFC South

The Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars have dominated the AFC South in recent years, with both teams earning playoff berths last season. While the Jaguars won the division title with 13 wins, the Texans secured a wild card spot with a 12-5 record. Both teams are expected to remain competitive in 2026, though the Colts and Titans are also looking to make noise. The Jaguars will be without key free agents Travis Etienne Jr. and Devin Lloyd, but will welcome back Travis Hunter from injury. The Texans return most of their defensive starters, who ranked No. 1 in total defense last season. Notable player movement includes David Montgomery being traded to the Texans, and Tytus Howard and Trent McDuffie being traded away from their previous teams

Former Cowboys QB joins coaching staff for 2026 season, per report

Will Grier retired on July 15 after playing quarterback across seven seasons with the Carolina Panthers , Dallas Cowboys , Cincinnati Bengals , New England Patriots , Los Angeles Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles . It didn't take the 31-year-old long to begin the next chapter of his NFL career. Grier is set to join the Cowboys coaching staff for the 2026 season as an offensive assistant, according to ESPN's Todd Archer . OT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans) CB Trent McDuffie: Traded to Los Angeles Rams (previous team: Kansas City Chiefs) RB David Montgomery: Traded to Houston Texans (previous team: Detroit Lions) WR DJ Moore: Traded to Buffalo Bills (previous team: Chicago Bears) OT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans) OT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans) CB Trent McDuffie: Traded to Los Angeles Rams (previous team: Kansas City Chiefs) RB David Montgomery: Traded to Houston Texans (previous team: Detroit Lions) WR DJ Moore: Traded to Buffalo Bills (previous team: Chicago Bears) Grier joining Dallas' coaching staff isn't much of a surprise. The 2019 third-round pick was offered a position on Brian Schottenheimer's staff after spending the 2025 NFL season on the Cowboys' practice squad, according to multiple reports. Grier initially declined and joined the Panthers in free agency just ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. The expectation was the 31-year-old would battle undrafted rookie Haynes King for the third-string role behind Bryce Young and Kenny Pickett . Instead, Grier reversed course in advance of Carolina's first training camp practice. But even after retiring, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott hinted his former teammate could soon join Dallas' coaching staff with a post to his Instagram story. "Never retired, just switching lanes," Prescott wrote over a photo of himself and Grier. "Congrats, my brother." Now, Grier will join the ever-growing pipeline of former NFL quarterbacks among the league's coaching rankings. NFL 2026: 1 key storyline for each team entering training camp Grier made just two starts during his NFL career, both coming during his rookie season in 2019 with the Panthers. Grier completed 28 of 52 passes (53.8%) for 228 yards and four interceptions, good for a 33.2 passer rating. Grier finished his career having earned just over $4.9 million, per Spotrac.com . Most of Grier's money came via the four-year, $3.85 million rookie contract he signed with the Panthers after being selected in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Former Cowboys QB joins coaching staff for 2026 season, per report

Jonah Coleman a Top Target for Rebuilders in Dynasty Formats

The Denver Broncos selected running back Jonah Coleman out of Washington in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL draft, and he is slated to be the team's RB3, behind J.K. Dobbins (foot), whom they just re-signed to a two-year contract, and behind RJ Harvey, whom they spent second-round draft capital on in 2025. Coleman profiles as more of a bowling-ball-type running back, standing at 5'8 ", 220 lbs. Over his past two collegiate seasons at Washington, he accumulated 27 touchdowns, 54 receptions, 531 receiving yards, and 1,811 rushing yards. He profiles as a true bell-cow back with receiving upside and has received comparisons to guys like David Montgomery of the Houston Texans. For the 2026 season, he will be buried on the depth chart and likely won't be relevant in the first half of the season barring injury; however, the Broncos are not committed to Dobbins long-term and Harvey did not capitalize on his from an efficiency standpoint in 2025, so Coleman is a top target in dynasty formats, specifically for teams who are rebuilding or just need to get younger at the running back position