he Kansas City Chiefs are entering a critical offseason as they look to revitalize an offense that has shown signs of stagnation. Despite the presence of Patrick Mahomes and the creative brilliance of Andy Reid, the team’s inability to maintain a consistent rushing attack has become a glaring weakness. To help address, the Chiefs find themselves linked to a potentially transformative trade for Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery, a move that could signal a significant shift in offensive philosophy for the reigning AFC dynasty.
The rationale behind pursuing Montgomery is rooted in the Chiefs’ recent struggles on the ground. Statistics from the 2024 and 2025 seasons highlight a lack of explosiveness and efficiency at the running back position. Kareem Hunt led the team in 2025 with just over 600 yards, averaging a pedestrian 3.7 yards per carry, while Isaiah Pacheco’s production and efficiency have steadily declined as he has shouldered a heavier workload. Pacheco’s PFF grades have dipped from a solid 79.9 in 2023 to a concerning 58.6 in 2025, suggesting that the physical toll of his running style is catching up with him. This lack of a reliable ground game has placed an immense burden on Patrick Mahomes, forcing him to carry the offense even when opposing defenses are geared specifically to stop the pass.
David Montgomery represents a seasoned and versatile solution to this problem. Although he split carries in Detroit and is coming off what some might consider a statistically underwhelming year, he would have been the Chiefs’ leading rusher last season. Montgomery is praised for his durability, pass-blocking ability, and capability as a receiver out of the backfield. Despite his extensive experience, Montgomery still has significant tread on his tires because he hasn’t been overused. For a team like Kansas City, acquiring a physical back who can consistently gain four to five yards per carry and contribute in all phases of the game would provide a much-needed “shot in the arm.”
The potential trade is also tied to broader organizational changes, most notably the rumored return of Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator. Bieniemy’s tenure in Kansas City was marked by a more balanced offensive approach, and his recent success with the Chicago Bears, where he helped transform a bottom-tier rushing unit into one of the NFL’s best, further underscores the value he places on the ground game. It’s important to note that Andy Reid’s previous coaching tenures, specifically with the Philadelphia Eagles, often faltered when he leaned too heavily into the passing game and neglected the run. Bringing back Bieniemy and pairing him with a proven runner like Montgomery would be a proactive move by GM Brett Veach to avoid repeating those historical mistakes.
While the trade link remains speculative at this stage, the strategic logic is sound. The Lions may be looking to unload veteran contracts to gain draft capital for their own roster reconstruction, making Montgomery an affordable target for the Chiefs. By reorienting the offense around a dual-headed attack of Mahomes’ passing and a robust running game, Kansas City could quickly return to the top of the NFL hierarchy. For Chiefs fans, the possibility of this trade offers hope for a more balanced and resilient offense in 2026, ensuring that the team’s championship window remains wide open.
Disclaimer: The content of this article was originally published as a YouTube video on the Saturday Morning Inspection YouTube channel. With AI assistance, the publisher of the video created this article based on the content of that video.
