Saints 2020 Year-in-Review: Ty Montgomery
Veteran WR/RB Ty Montgomery signed as a free agent with the New Orleans Saints late this spring to add depth and versatility to the team's running back and wide receiver positions.
Montgomery was a converted wideout who moved to running back in his second year with the Green Bay Packers when injuries ravaged the position in 2016. He led the Packers with 457 yards rushing that season, scoring three touchdowns and averaging almost six yards per rush while adding 44 receptions for 348 yards.
Jan 3, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New Orleans running back Ty Montgomery (88) with the ball in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY
Montgomery was a versatile offensive threat with the Packers until being traded to the Baltimore Ravens at mid-season in 2018. He finished that year with the Ravens, then signing with the New York Jets in 2019. After a subpar season with the Jets, the Saints hoped Montgomery's skill set would fit well with an offense that values versatility.
Despite an offense loaded with talent at the skill positions, Montgomery would make a key contribution at a crucial part of the season for the Saints. He is today's Year-in-Review spotlight.
TY MONTGOMERY
Jan 3, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New Orleans running back Ty Montgomery (88) with the ball as Panthers free safety Tre Boston (33) defends at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY
Montgomery would play just four offensive snaps in the Saints opening day win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, rushing once for minus-four yards. He played six snaps in a Week 2 loss at the Raiders and caught 2 passes for 23 yards. That would wind up being his season high as a receiver, but he appeared on 36 snaps over the first two games on special teams.
Montgomery was placed on injured reserve for a hamstring injury after the second game. It was an injury that kept him out of action until Week 10. He’d play just two offensive snaps in Weeks 10 and 11 but again played a role on special teams, where he appeared in 33 snaps.
Sep 21, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Saints running back Ty Montgomery (88) runs the ball against Raiders cornerback Damon Arnette (20) at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY
While Montgomery had a tough time getting offensive touches behind Alvin Kamara, Latavius Murray, and even Taysom Hill at running back, he would be a key member of the team’s top-ranked coverage units. He played just 72 snaps on offense all year, 44 of which came in one game. However, he appeared on 96 special teams plays in seven games.
Montgomery finally had a chance to showcase his offensive skills during the regular season finale at Carolina. Going into that contest, the Saints would be without Kamara, Murray, and reserve backs Dwayne Washington and Michael Burton because of COVID-19 protocols. Montgomery would step in and rush for 105 yards on 18 carries in the victory over the Panthers. It was one of only three 100-Yd rushing games by a New Orleans player in 2020.
Jan 3, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Saints running back Ty Montgomery (88) with the ball as Carolina cornerback Donte Jackson (26) defends at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY
Montgomery's stat line this season wasn't overly impressive. Including playoffs, he had 23 carries for 115 yards, 4 receptions for 40 yards, and 2 kickoff returns for 57 yards. He will again be an unrestricted free agent this spring, along with fellow RB Dwayne Washington. The higher salary of RB Latavius Murray could make Montgomery a candidate to be re-signed at a reasonable price if the Saints want to keep his proven versatility into 2021.
