News & Info/Headlines

David Montgomery, one of the top backs in available in free agency, will remain in the NFC North -- and get an opportunity to face his former team twice a year -- after signing with the Lions.

He gets a three-year, $18 million deal, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. It includes $11 million guaranteed.

Montgomery, 25, spent four seasons with the Bears after they made him a second-round pick.

He rushed for 3,609 yards and 26 touchdowns, while catching 155 passes for 1,240 yards and four touchdowns.

His best season came in 2020 when he had 1,508 yards from scrimmage, including 1,070 rushing.

Montgomery's arrival in Detroit means Jamaal Williams, who finished 2022 with 17 rushing touchdowns on his 262 carries, will be moving on.

Expecting Montgomery to assume that primary role -- with D'Andre Swift continuing to play a secondary role -- seems like a reasonable assumption at this point.

That being the case, I'll point out that Swift has been going as RB15 in early best ball drafts.

Fantasy managers clearly need to dial back on that.

It's also fair to view Montgomery as an upgrade over Williams and running behind Detroit's powerhouse offensive line, he should thrive.

Look for his current RB 28 ADP to rise immediately.

Meanwhile, Montgomery's departure opens the door to a more robust role for Khalil Herbert, a player the coaching staff is high on, in Chicago.

Get him on your radar, but note the Bears signed former Seahawk running back Travis Homer shortly after Montgomery's deal was announced.