Lions mailbag: 3 burning questions on the future at running back

The Detroit Lions are set at running back in the present. But in the near future, three burning questions await.

Right now, there isn’t a position more set on the Detroit Lions roster than running back. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs will share the load as the two primary starters. The Lions also have reliable depth in veteran Craig Reynolds and second-year player Sione Vaki. With Montgomery under contract through 2027 and Gibbs with a fifth-year option to keep him locked up for the same duration, Detroit doesn’t really need to start thinking about their backfield for a couple years.

But let’s go down that road anyway.

On this week’s Midweek Mailbag podcast, Erik Schlitt and I discuss Detroit’s future at running back—which we break down into three topics.

What will Sione Vaki’s role be?

While Vaki isn’t expected to challenge for one of the top two roles on offense, there is a good chance he could challenge Reynolds for the top spot. After playing in just 26 offensive snaps in his rookie season, what is a realistic expectation in 2025? Which situations could we see Vaki get involved? And was the draft pick worth it if he only stays on special teams?

Will Gibbs see an uptick in touches in 2025?

Gibbs was masterful at the end of the 2024 regular season when Montgomery was out with an injury. In Weeks 16-18, Gibbs rushed 64 times for 365 yards (5.7 YPC) and five rushing touchdowns—and added another 122 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown.

But as pointed out by Schlitt in his running back training camp preview, Gibbs and Montgomery split touches exactly in half when both were healthy.

So what will the Lions do in 2025? Gibbs certainly won’t suddenly become the workhorse back, but does he deserve a bigger piece of the pie? And if so, by how much?

Will Gibbs be worth a market-setting contract?

Earlier in the week, we provided an estimate for a potential Gibbs contract extension, but there are still serious questions about the risk of a running back second contract—let alone a record-setting one. History has not been kind to those who shell out big money for a second running back contract, but is the data shifting? Is Gibbs enough of a special talent to warrant going against the odds?

We discuss all three of these questions to lead off this week’s podcast. Other topics this week include:

• What are some long-term needs that aren’t an issue now, but could be drafted as soon as 2026?
• Debating Ennis Rakestraw playing outside vs. nickel
• Is Derrick Barnes healthy? How will his return impact the linebacking corps and the defense overall?
• Does the regular season no longer matter to the Lions, as long as they make the playoffs?
• Making the case for another 15-2 Lions season

You can listen to the show on your favorite podcasting platform or in the Spotify embed below:

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