On Monday, the Detroit Lions finalized a trade sending running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans in exchange for offensive lineman Juice Scruggs and two draft picks, a fourth-round and seventh-round selection. This move was first reported by Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, who shared the details early on social media.
Montgomery’s Role and Recent Performance
David Montgomery served as the Lions’ second running back, backing up Jahmyr Gibbs. The pair was popularly known as Sonic and Knuckles after both surpassed 1,000 total yards during the 2024 season. However, in 2025, Montgomery narrowly missed the 1,000-yard mark and has recently expressed his desire for increased playing time in the upcoming season.
Juice Scruggs’ Contributions and Lions’ Offensive Line Needs
Juice Scruggs, who played 351 snaps for Houston in 2025 without allowing any sacks and committing just three penalties, will now bolster Detroit‘s offensive line. The Lions have faced challenges in this area since their Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow retired due to injuries, making Scruggs’ acquisition strategically significant.
Implications for Both Teams Moving Forward
This trade represents a significant shift for both franchises. The Texans add a versatile and experienced running back in Montgomery, while the Lions address their offensive line struggles by acquiring Scruggs and additional draft capital. How each team integrates these changes will be crucial as they prepare for the coming season.
Compensation update: The Texans are sending OL Juice Scruggs, a 4th-rounder and a 7th-rounder to Detroit for David Montgomery. https://t.co/EQaSP8sW1e
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 2, 2026
