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Isiah Pacheco is Detroit Lions' Montgomery replacement in NFL free agency
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- Isiah Pacheco is Detroit Lions' Montgomery replacement in NFL free agency
The Detroit Lions have found a replacement for David Montgomery , and it's one of the most violent runners available in 2026 NFL free agency .
The Lions agreed to a one free-agent deal with Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco , on Tuesday, March 10, a person with knowledge of the deal but unauthorized to speak publicly because it cannot be signed until Wednesday afternoon confirmed to the Free Press.
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The contract is fully guaranteed for $1.81 million, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero .
Pacheco, 27, will serve as the backup to Jahmyr Gibbs after averaging 634 yards rushing the past four seasons with the Chiefs. He won Super Bowls in his first two years in Kansas City after being drafted in the seventh round out of Rutgers.
Isiah Pacheco stats
Known for his physical rushing style, Pacheco had 462 yards rushing with one touchdown last season and averaged 3.9 yards per carry while appearing in 13 games.
Since nearly topping 1,000 yards in 2023, Pacheco has seen his production decline the past two years while missing time with injuries. He had 83 carries for 310 yards (3.7 ypc) and one touchdown in seven games in 2024, when he fractured his fibula early in the year, and missed four weeks with a knee injury last year.
Pacheco ran for 830 yards and five scores as a rookie in 2022 and 935 yards with seven scores in 2023, plus a career-high 44 catches for 244 yards and two more touchdowns. He was one of the least efficient backs in the NFL last season according to Sharp Football, when he ranked 46th out of 49 qualifying running backs in explosive run rate and did not have a carry longer than 16 yards.
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INSTANT GRADE: Isiah Pacheco's rugged style fits, but alarming trends, too
Lions RBs depth chart after Isiah Pacheco deal
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (41) tackles Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) in the first quarter during a Monday Night Football game at EverBank Stadium, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla.
The Lions will have five running backs on their roster once Pacheco signs: Gibbs, Pacheco, Sione Vaki , Jacob Saylors and Jabari Small.
Gibbs has made three straight Pro Bowls and topped 1,200 yards rushing last season while working as the Lions' No. 1 running back. The Lions hope to sign him to a long-term extension this spring.
Vaki, Saylors and Small have nine career rushing attempts between them.
Why was David Montgomery traded?
Montgomery was unhappy with his role last season after logging career-lows in rushing yards and attempts. The Lions traded him to the Houston Texans on March 2 for two draft picks and guard Juice Scruggs .
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Neither the Montgomery trade nor the Pacheco signing can become official until the new league year opens at 4 p.m. Wednesday.
TRACKER: Lions NFL free agency 2026: Who is signing, who's out
Lions news in free agency
The Lions have spent the start of the free agent negotiating period focused on offense. On Monday, they agreed to contracts with offensive linemen Cade Mays and Larry Borom . Mays is expected to start at center this fall, while Borom could compete for time at one tackle spot.
The Lions also have had five players leave for other teams in free agency so far.
On Monday, defensive starters linebacker Alex Anzalone and cornerback Amik Robertson agreed to deals with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Commanders respectively, backup defensive tackle Roy Lopez struck a deal with the Arizona Cardinals and backup quarterback Kyle Allen agreed to return to the Buffalo Bills .
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On Tuesday, Lions receiver Kalif Raymond finalized a contract with the Chicago Bears .
Dave Birkett covers the Lions for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at dbirkett@freepress.com . Follow him on Bluesky , X and Instagram at @davebirkett.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Isiah Pacheco contract with Detroit Lions in NFL free agency
