The Detroit Lions are trading veteran running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans in exchange for fourth- and seventh-round picks and center Juice Scruggs, according to league sources. The fourth-round pick in this year’s draft, while the seventh-round pick is in 2027.
Montgomery, 28, was half of a dynamic Detroit one-two punch at running back over the last three seasons with Jahmyr Gibbs. But Lions general manager Brad Holmes acknowledged that Montgomery was unhappy with a diminished role in 2025 as Gibbs became the clear top back. Montgomery had just 158 rush attempts last season, the fewest of his career and down from 185 in 2024 and 219 in 2023.
“I’ve been in touch with David’s agent and his representation,” Holmes said at the NFL combine. “Obviously, look, we love David. He’s a great player. We would love to have him. Kind of want to put last year in the rearview and just move forward. But a player has to want to be at a certain place as well, so those conversations are still fluid and we’re just kind of seeing how it goes.”
By moving on, the Lions can pair a younger player with a less expensive contract alongside the 23-year-old Gibbs. Montgomery carries salary-cap hits of $8.4 million and $10.2 million in 2026 and 2027.
In Houston, Montgomery is set to team up with running back Woody Marks, who is coming off a productive rookie season with 911 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns. Marks, 25, has three years remaining on his contract.
Montgomery, a 2019 third-round pick by the Chicago Bears out of Iowa State, has had two 1,000-yard rushing seasons in his career. He scored 33 rushing touchdowns for the Lions over the last three years.
The Texans ranked 18th in the NFL in total offense last season, while the Lions were fifth.
What it means for the Lions
Montgomery was a fan favorite in Detroit. His 2023 season was arguably the best of his career, rushing for 1,015 yards and 13 touchdowns behind one of the league’s best offensive lines. Montgomery, along with star running back Jahmyr Gibbs, formed the NFL’s best backfield. Montgomery brought the power, while Gibbs brought the speed and electricity. The “Sonic and Knuckles” moniker fit like a glove.
But the relationship wasn’t what it once was. The Lions’ offensive line took a step back when Frank Ragnow retired, and running the ball in the interior was a struggle. When the team had to play catch-up in games, it often favored Gibbs over Montgomery because of his receiving skills and home-run ability. As Gibbs ascended, Montgomery’s touches significantly decreased. He averaged 15.6 rushes per game in 2023, 13.2 in 2024 and just 9.3 in 2025 — easily a career-low. Montgomery took to social media on several occasions, hinting at some displeasure with his role in the offense. Those who were around the team on a daily basis could sense it, too. And while the Lions tried to smooth things over — with Holmes saying as recently as last week that the Lions would love to have him, and they want to put the 2025 season in the rearview — he also said the quiet part out loud: “A player has to want to be at a certain place as well.”
The Lions will now move on, saving some cap space and picking up a fourth, a seventh and an interior depth piece in the process. All things considered, this feels like a strong haul for a running back whose future with the team was uncertain, set to enter his age-29 season. — Pouncy
