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Early in the free-agent period, the Detroit Lions made headlines when they signed star running back David Montgomery to a three-year contract.
According to reports, Montgomery signed a three-year, $18 million contract with an $11 million ultimate guarantee.
The full $11 million in guarantee is covered by the $4.5 million signing bonus and projected $6.5 million in basic salary for the first two seasons, as anticipated and described by OverTheCap.
If Montgomery is still in the squad on the third day of the 2024 league calendar year, $3 million of his $5.25 million agreement will be guaranteed till the rest of his $2.25 million agreement becomes guaranteed.
The two parties concerned will benefit from this agreement. The Lions have some flexibility with their salary budget in 2023, thanks to the low cap hit, and they're providing Montgomery sufficient assurances in the first two seasons of his deal ($8.5 million of his $11 million) to virtually ensure his presence in the squad till the 2024 campaign.
The final year of the agreement basically turns into a "have you proven yourself" season. If the Lions are pleased with what Montgomery offers, they can maintain the agreement and pay Montgomery's full worth in 2025. However, if, for a particular reason, the team is not pleased, there is an option to terminate his contract with only a $2.25 million cap cost.
Detroit Lions beat competition from two teams to sign David Montgomery
One of the major benefactors of the first round of free agency in the NFL were the Detroit Lions.
To start the new league year, the squad made crucial additions to areas that were in need of urgent attention. Running back David Montgomery serves as one of those important acquisitions.
After playing his first four years with the Chicago Bears, David Montgomery joins the Detroit Lions. The Lions signed Montgomery to a three-year, $18 million contract with $8.75 million fully guaranteed after losing Jamaal Williams to free agency.
Montgomery's signing was already a success, but according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the Lions outbid the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears to land the players.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes elaborated on the reasons the team wanted David Montgomery. The Lions basically set aside money to compensate Jamaal Williams on a new deal. However, as soon as Montgomery was available, their attention was diverted.
Holmes claimed that as the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings were pursuing him and making offers, it directly influenced their quick decision to commit to Montgomery.
David Montgomery is ranked tenth in rushing yards and fifth in receiving yards among a talented group of free-agent backs. Last year, he produced his first receiving TD since his second campaign with the Bears and produced his strongest yards per reception (9.3).
