(670 The Score) The Lions will sign running back David Montgomery, who's moving on from the Bears following four seasons in Chicago, sources said Tuesday evening.
Montgomery's deal is worth up to $18 million and comes with $11 million guaranteed, ESPN reported. The deal can become official Wednesday at 3 p.m. CT with the start of the NFL's new league year.
A third-round pick of the Bears in the 2019 NFL Draft, Montgomery carried 915 times for 3,609 yards and 26 touchdowns over 60 games with the Bears. He rushed 201 times for 801 yards and five scores last season.
The Lions' decision to sign Montgomery comes with running back Jamaal Williams hitting free agency after scoring 17 touchdowns for Detroit last season. He isn't expected to be back with the team on a new deal.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles previously expressed an interest in Montgomery signing a new contract in Chicago. The team could now turn to third-year running back Khalil Herbert for a lead role.
“If he’s here, I'm going to be excited," Herbert said of Montgomery in January. "If he’s not, I know he’s going to get paid. I can’t control what happens. But he’s going to get paid. That's what I'm happy about.”
Herbert rushed 129 times for 731 yards and four scores over 13 games in 2022. He was a sixth-round pick of Chicago in 2021.
As Montgomery's decision to leave Chicago was made, the Bears agreed to terms with running back Travis Homer on a two-year deal. The 24-year-old Homer rushed 83 times for 453 yards and a touchdown over four seasons with the Seahawks.
Homer will likely factor in for the Bears on special teams. After losing Montgomery, Chicago is expected to be active in searching for depth at running back.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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