Sione Vaki

Gibbs is the locked-in alpha with Dan Campbell confirming an expanded role post-Montgomery. Detroit then signed Isiah Pacheco on a 1-year deal to fill the RB2 vacancy, placing Vaki third on the depth chart with near-zero path to volume in a healthy backfield.

Vaki is considered a likely cut candidate heading into 2026, with the Lions able to save $942,823 in cap space by releasing him. Tom Kennedy's emergence as kick returner has eliminated Vaki's primary special teams value.

Vaki suffered multiple injuries throughout 2025 that prevented development, and appeared in only 16 games as a rookie with just 6 rushes for 14 yards and 3 receptions for 37 yards. His inability to stay healthy raises serious durability questions.

Vaki hasn't received non-garbage time carries despite being on the roster, and returned just two kickoffs for 39 total yards in 2025. He has zero established offensive role behind Gibbs and Montgomery.

Vaki posted 0% snap share and 0% target share across his final four 2025 games (W14–W18), recording zero fantasy points — a total blackout from offensive involvement heading into the offseason.

If Detroit trades or releases one of their established backs, Vaki could emerge as a primary option in Ben Johnson's passing-friendly offense, which has shown success utilizing RBs in the receiving game.

If Montgomery is traded/released, Vaki could theoretically compete for RB2 reps. However, new OC Drew Petzing's system may prioritize established depth backs over developmental projects.

Lions GM Brad Holmes was noncommittal about Montgomery's future, stating 'He deserves to be in a situation where his skillset can be utilized.' The Lions could save $6 million in 2026 cap space with a post-June 1 cut.

Pacheco is on a bargain 1-year, $1.81M deal and carries a documented injury history from Kansas City; if he misses time, Vaki is the next man up in one of the NFL's top offenses behind Goff, St. Brown, and Williams.

Detroit used zero draft capital on RBs in 2026 (only a R5 WR in Kendrick Law), leaving Vaki's RB3 roster spot intact and free from incoming rookie displacement pressure.

David Montgomery was traded to Houston this offseason, vacating ~150+ touches; Pacheco absorbs the bulk but the No. 3 role behind two backs over 27 is one injury away from real volume in an elite Lions offense.