The Houston Texans have acquired running back David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions, according to NFL Media on Monday. In exchange, Detroit will receive offensive lineman Juice Scruggs along with a fourth-round and a seventh-round draft pick. This move marks a significant adjustment in both teams’ rosters ahead of the new NFL league year.
Montgomery’s Trade Developments and Detroit’s Strategy
The trade surfaced just a day after Montgomery publicly questioned reports suggesting he wanted to be moved during the offseason. Despite that ambiguity, Detroit evaluated Montgomery’s market value and successfully secured multiple assets for the running back. ESPN had reported on Sunday that the Lions aimed to obtain a pick in the early portion of Day 3 of the draft in return.
Boosting Houston’s Backfield Amid Previous Season Challenges
The Texans are enhancing their rushing attack by adding Montgomery, particularly after ranking 22nd in rushing last season. Houston’s Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon missed the entire 2025 campaign due to injury, leaving a void in their ground game. Montgomery, despite experiencing his least productive year in 2025, still managed to run for 716 yards with a strong average of 4.5 yards per carry, along with eight touchdowns and 192 receiving yards.
Montgomery’s Productive Tenure in Detroit
Over his first two seasons with the Lions, Montgomery amassed 1,790 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns across 28 games, while also contributing 458 yards receiving. However, the rise of Jahmyr Gibbs as a dependable three-down back shifted Detroit’s priorities. Gibbs ranked among the top 10 in all-purpose yards last season and is poised for a lucrative contract extension, potentially making him one of the NFL’s highest-paid running backs.
Texans Reshape Offense After Key Roster Moves
Houston’s acquisition of Montgomery followed shortly after trading starting right tackle Tytus Howard to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a fifth-round pick. These personnel changes suggest the Texans are actively overhauling their offense after another year of playoff disappointment and offensive struggles, areas where their defense has been the team’s primary strength.
Pending Finalization and Future Outlook
Both the Montgomery trade and the Howard deal will officially be completed once the new league year begins on March 11. The Texans’ move for Montgomery indicates a commitment to revamping their rushing attack, which could be a key factor in their attempt to advance beyond recent postseason setbacks while balancing ongoing roster decisions under salary cap constraints.
Trade! The Lions are sending RB David Montgomery to the Texans, sources tell The Insiders. pic.twitter.com/ojzZyHVqZN
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 2, 2026
