The NFL offseason is always full of surprises, but sometimes opportunity knocks in the most unexpected ways. For pending San Francisco 49ers free agent running back Brian Robinson Jr., his next landing spot may have just fallen into place.
On Monday, the Detroit Lions traded David Montgomery to the Houston Texans in exchange for a fourth-round pick in 2026, a seventh-round pick in 2027, and interior offensive lineman Juice Scruggs. Reports had surfaced that Montgomery was disappointed with his workload last season—a sentiment that's understandable given his proven ability as a timeshare back who can shoulder more responsibility than Detroit allocated to him in 2025. The Lions saved roughly $3.5 million by trading Montgomery.
Montgomery, 28, carried the football 158 times last season for 716 yards, averaging 4.5 yards per carry and scoring eight touchdowns. The year prior, in 2024, he saw a bit of an increase in workload, with 185 carries for 775 yards (4.2 yards per carry) and 12 scores. Despite his productivity, the Lions—much like the 49ers with Christian McCaffrey—found it difficult to take the ball out of the hands of Jahmyr Gibbs, whose electric playmaking skills make him an elite-level three-down back.
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell has consistently expressed a desire to return to the physical, run-heavy, play-action pass approach that brought the Lions success in the past. While Gibbs is dynamic and versatile, Detroit's offense thrives when complemented by a powerful, between-the-tackles runner and someone quarterback Jared Goff can trust on third down picking up the blitz—a role Montgomery filled, but one that now sits vacant.
This is where 49ers pending free agent Brian Robinson Jr. enters the chat
Brian Robinson Jr. profiles as the perfect replacement for Montgomery. Last season with the 49ers, Robinson Jr. carried the football 92 times for 400 yards, averaging 4.3 yards per carry and scoring two touchdowns. At 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, he brings the size and physicality Campbell covets—a true "thumper" who can handle short-yardage and goal-line duties, while also spelling Gibbs and keeping Detroit's ground game balanced.
Robinson Jr.'s best season came in 2024 with Washington, where he totaled 799 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 187 carries. His overall skill set aligns seamlessly with the Lions' offensive philosophy, and he's a veteran who can be trusted to pick up those exotic third-down blitzes.
He's proven capable of grinding out tough yards and sustaining drives, and his experience in a timeshare role makes him an ideal complement to Gibbs. With Montgomery's departure, the opportunity for Robinson Jr. to step into a significant role in Detroit's backfield is straightforward.
Robinson Jr. didn't complain once last season while backing up McCaffrey, and unless he prefers to be more of a feature back, which would in all likelihood come on a poor team, spelling another dynamic runner like Gibbs seems like the perfect fit.
Spotrac projects that Robinson Jr. will earn $3.1 million annually on his next contract.