Veteran running back David Montgomery is being acquired by the Houston Texans from the Detroit Lions, as per Monday’s report from Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
In exchange for Montgomery, the Texans are sending a 2026 fourth-round selection, offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, and a seventh-round pick, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. This transaction is pending official completion until the new league year commences on March 11.
This announcement follows Montgomery’s denial just 24 hours prior of claims he wished to depart Detroit, disputing Jeremy Fowler’s ESPN report suggesting he desired a new beginning and that the Lions might seek “potentially a fifth-round pick” for the seasoned player.
Montgomery’s professional career began with the Chicago Bears, who selected him in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Following a four-year tenure as Chicago’s primary ball-carrier, he inked an $18 million, three-year free agency deal with the Lions in 2023, which was subsequently extended in October 2024 with a two-year, $18.25 million agreement.
Should Houston not offer a new contract, Montgomery’s current agreement expires, making him eligible for free agency once more in 2028.
For Montgomery, Houston presents an opportunity for a renewed beginning and increased rushing attempts, particularly after a season with his lowest career usage. He provides the Texans with a dependable, experienced player for their running game. The previous season saw the Texans largely depend on rookie running back Woody Marks and Nick Chubb. Despite being 13th in rushing attempts, the Texans ranked 22nd in rushing yards per game and 31st in rushing touchdowns in the last season.
Considering Chubb’s impending free agency and Joe Mixon’s ongoing recovery from a foot ailment, Montgomery and Marks are projected to be the primary ball-carriers for the team in the upcoming season.
The Texans’ offensive line has also undergone further restructuring, with trades involving Tytus Howard and Scruggs.
From the Lions’ perspective, dealing Montgomery opens up additional opportunities for their top rusher, Jahmyr Gibbs. It also generates salary cap flexibility, enabling the Lions to offer extensions to key players like Gibbs, Jack Campbell, and Brian Branch.
Scruggs, who was a second-round selection in 2023, enhances the depth of the Lions’ offensive line, a unit that faced challenges last season, and the newly obtained draft picks will contribute to addressing other roster requirements.
