Lions Trade David Montgomery to Texans in Draft Pick, Scruggs Deal

The Detroit Lions have traded running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans. In exchange, the Lions will receive a fourth-round draft pick, offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, and a seventh-round pick from the Texans. The transaction is pending officialization at the start of the new league year on March 11.

The trade involves the 28-year-old running back David Montgomery moving to the Houston Texans, with the Lions acquiring a fourth-round pick, offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, and a seventh-round pick.

Trade Details and Compensation

The Detroit Lions will acquire a fourth-round draft pick, offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, and a seventh-round draft pick from Houston as part of the agreement. This move sends the veteran running back to the Texans.

Montgomery's Tenure and Usage with the Lions

During the 2025 season with the Lions, Montgomery's role in the offense saw a reduction as Jahmyr Gibbs took on a more prominent position. He concluded the season with 716 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, along with 24 receptions for 192 yards.

His average carries per game decreased from 13.2 across 14 games in 2024 to 9.3 across 17 games in 2025. Similarly, his average snaps per game fell from 27.9 to 24.0, highlighting his diminished role.

Background and Prior Discussions

Prior to the trade, reports indicated that Montgomery might be considering a departure from Detroit. These reports, including one from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, suggested Montgomery was prepared to leave, citing his contract and age. Montgomery responded to these reports on social media, appearing to dispute the claims.

Lions General Manager Brad Holmes had made comments at the end of the 2025 season suggesting potential dissatisfaction from Montgomery regarding his usage. Holmes expressed respect for Montgomery and stated that the player deserved a situation where his skillset could be fully utilized.

During Super Bowl week, Montgomery offered optimistic comments about playing alongside Jahmyr Gibbs. However, at the NFL Combine, Holmes noted the situation remained fluid, stating:

"We love David. He’s a great player. We would love to have him," while also adding, "a player has to want to be at a certain place as well."

Impact on Texans

For the Houston Texans, Woody Marks led the team in 2025 with 703 rushing yards, and Nick Chubb was second with 506 yards. Running back Joe Mixon did not play due to an injury and is expected to be released, potentially creating a significant role for Montgomery in the Texans' backfield.

Financial Implications for the Lions

Montgomery had two years remaining on a contract signed as a two-year extension in mid-2024. He carried an $8.4 million cap hit for the current year, with $4.9 million guaranteed. The trade could potentially free up over $3.5 million in cap space for the Detroit Lions, offering financial flexibility as the new league year begins.