Detroit Lions Urged To Sign ‘Severely Underrated’ RB To Replace David Montgomery
Following the trade of veteran running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans, the Detroit Lions have a clear need in their backfield. While Jahmyr Gibbs remains the explosive centerpiece, the team is searching for a power back to fill Montgomery’s role. One analyst suggests the perfect candidate is currently on the free agent market: former Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier.
The Case for Allgeier With The Detroit Lions
The departure of David Montgomery leaves a void in the Lions’ “thunder and lightning” running back duo. Detroit’s offense, now under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, thrives on a balanced attack, and finding a physical, between-the-tackles runner is a priority. Allgeier fits this description perfectly.
At 25 years old, Allgeier is a throwback power runner who excels in short-yardage situations. Scott Kennedy of Falcons On SI notes that Allgeier’s yards-per-carry average is deceptively low because he was Atlanta’s go-to back on “third and short, fourth and short.” This means he consistently faced stacked defensive fronts, where gaining even a couple of tough yards was considered a success. His ability to punish defenders and move the chains is exactly what Detroit will miss without Montgomery.
An Underrated and Reliable Asset
One of Allgeier’s most impressive and perhaps underrated qualities is his exceptional ball security. He has amassed 676 carries and 61 receptions in his career without a single fumble. This level of reliability is highly valued in Detroit, where head coach Dan Campbell places a premium on winning the turnover battle. Allgeier’s sure-handedness would provide a dependable complement to the more dynamic Gibbs.
Kennedy also points out that Tyler Allgeier has relatively low mileage for a veteran running back. The drafting of Bijan Robinson in Atlanta limited Allgeier’s workload, which could be a long-term benefit. “Without Robinson, the Falcons would have run him into the ground,” Kennedy explained. “Instead, he’s a smart, crafty veteran with low mileage.” This makes him an attractive option for a team looking for a durable back who can handle a significant share of carries.
Financial and Roster Implications
From a financial standpoint, signing Allgeier appears to be a savvy move. As a former fifth-round pick, his career earnings are modest, and he is projected to command a contract in the range of $5-7 million annually. This is a reasonable price for a proven and productive running back who can immediately step into a key role. While some outlets have overlooked him in their top free agent rankings, many believe his on-field value will earn him a contract that reflects a top-100 player at a non-premium position.
The Lions currently have Jahmyr Gibbs as their lead back, but not much behind him. Depth is critical in the NFL. Adding Allgeier would create a formidable one-two punch that mirrors the successful dynamic the team had with Gibbs and Montgomery. While the Lions may still look to the NFL Draft for more backfield talent, signing a reliable veteran like Allgeier would address their most immediate need.
As the Lions retool their roster for the 2026 season, the running back position is a key area of focus. Allgeier presents a compelling combination of power, reliability, and value that makes him an ideal candidate to help Detroit maintain its potent rushing attack.
