Report: Vikings Were 'In the Mix' For David Montgomery, Who Signed With Lions

The Vikings were "in the mix" to sign former Bears running back David Montgomery, who ended up inking a three-year, $18 million deal with the Lions, according to The Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs.

As I understand it, Montgomery had a number of suitors in free agency, including the Bears. Three-fourths of the NFC North was interested in signing him. The Bears, the Detroit Lions (where he landed) and Minnesota Vikings were all in the mix. Montgomery scored an $18 million, three-year contract from the Lions, and what’s notable is the deal includes $8.75 million fully guaranteed and another $2.25 million is fully guaranteed if he’s on the roster on the third day of the 2024 league year.

When they didn't land Montgomery, the Vikings pivoted and re-signed Alexander Mattison on a two-year, $7 million deal. But the idea that they were in on Montgomery at all could be viewed as more evidence that Dalvin Cook's time with the Vikings will be coming to an end soon.

Dalvin Cook Trade Rumors: 6 Logical Landing Spots For Vikings' Pro Bowl RB

Presumably, you don't go after a top free agent RB like Montgomery if you think Cook is going to be on your roster in 2023. You also probably don't give Mattison over $6 million guaranteed if Cook's going to be the guy. It all seems to be pointing towards a Cook trade, which would get his contract off the books and create some cap space, even if dead money would be involved. (A post-June 1 trade would create more space with much less dead money in 2023).

Montgomery, who turns 26 this summer, averaged over 1,200 yards from scrimmage with 30 total touchdowns in his four seasons with the Bears. He's had some big games against the Vikings in his career, including a 162-yard, two-touchdown outing in 2020. Now he's with the Lions, who lost Jamaal Williams to the Saints in free agency. The Bears — a sneaky pick to trade for Cook — have D'Onta Foreman and Khalil Herbert atop their depth chart at running back right now.

If Cook does end up getting traded, the Vikings would go into the season with Mattison, Ty Chandler, Kene Nwangwu, and presumably a late-round rookie as their options at RB.

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