David Montgomery

Khalil Herbert was better than David Montgomery in nearly every single rushing metric in 2022. The second-year rusher averaged 5.7 yards per carry to Montgomery's flat 4.0 yards per carry average. Herbert rushed for just 70 fewer yards on 72 fewer carries. Monty's rushing EPA of -15.3 ranked 32nd while Herbert's 1.17 rushing EPA ranked 12th. Had Herbert not gotten hurt in Week 10 versus the Detroit Lions, there was a non-zero chance he would have completely usurped Montgomery as the team's lead back. After Montgomery returned from injury (Week 15), Herbert led the Bears backfield in rushing yards until his own injury. With Monty slated for free agency in 2023, there's a chance he leaves the Bears. However, Chicago has been vocal about trying to bring him back, which they can easily do with their large amount of salary cap space available. Even if the Bears re-sign Montgomery, Herbert will be breathing down his neck for playing time. In Montgomery's 15 healthy games played last season, he averaged 10.9 fantasy points per game as the RB26. But in 11 games, he played alongside a healthy Herbert, Montgomery saw an even bigger decline in production averaging 9.2 fantasy points (RB35), 13 carries and 48 rushing yards per game.

According to Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Detroit Lions are signing RB David Montgomery to a three-year deal worth $18 million.

Fantasy Impact

Montgomery lands with the Bears' division rival Detroit on a multi-year deal. There were reports that the Lions and RB Jamaal Williams were apart on their deal, so Montgomery will pair up with RB D'Andre Swift in Detroit. Khalil Herbert will have his chance to shine as the premier RB in Chicago.