The Detroit Lions have officially traded veteran running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans, ending his three-year tenure with the Motor City team. Montgomery’s departure follows a gradual reduction in his on-field role, prompting an emotional response from fellow Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who took over as the team’s lead back in 2024.
Jahmyr Gibbs, who joined Detroit alongside Montgomery in 2023, posted a poignant four-word message on his Instagram story featuring Sonic and Knuckles, saying, “So long my friend.” This brief farewell encapsulates the bond formed between the two backs during their overlapping time in Detroit.
Overview of Montgomery’s Performance in Detroit
Throughout his three seasons in Detroit, David Montgomery amassed 2,506 rushing yards and scored 33 touchdowns on 562 carries. His workload steadily declined each year, with 219 carries in 2023, dropping to 185 in 2024, and further down to 158 in 2025. Despite this diminished participation, Montgomery managed to maintain productive numbers during his final year with the Lions.
Factors Behind Montgomery’s Departure from Detroit
Detroit Lions General Manager Brad Holmes addressed the circumstances surrounding Montgomery’s exit, attributing it to the running back’s dissatisfaction with the reduced role he was assigned in the 2025 season. Speaking at the NFL Combine, Holmes said,
“I’ve been in touch with David’s agent and his representation. 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.” – Brad Holmes, Detroit Lions General Manager
Holmes’ comments highlight both the team’s respect for Montgomery and the challenges in meeting the player’s expectations regarding his role.
Why the Houston Texans Represent a Good Fit for Montgomery
The move to Houston offers Montgomery an opportunity to reclaim a more prominent role as the Texans seek an improved running game. In 2025, Houston’s leading runner, Woody Marks, posted underwhelming stats with 703 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 196 carries. Conversely, Montgomery, albeit with fewer opportunities, recorded 716 yards and eight touchdowns on 158 carries, indicating his potential value to the Texans.
The Texans are hopeful that Montgomery can return to his 2023 form, when he rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored 13 touchdowns on 219 carries. Their need for a reliable lead back makes this acquisition a potentially pivotal one for the franchise’s offense in 2026.
Context on Jahmyr Gibbs’ Rising Role in Detroit
Jahmyr Gibbs, who emerged in 2024 as Detroit’s primary running back, gradually took over the RB1 spot from Montgomery as the latter’s role diminished. Gibbs’ ascension coincided with Montgomery’s transition to a backup and situational role. Gibbs’ heartfelt farewell indicates the respect he holds for Montgomery, despite the inevitable shift in team dynamics.
Broader Implications for Detroit and Houston
Montgomery’s departure signals a shift for Detroit’s running back group, as the Lions invest more heavily in Jahmyr Gibbs’ development and future contributions. For Houston, acquiring Montgomery addresses a key need, aiming to strengthen a historically struggling rushing attack that failed to meet expectations last season.
The Texans’ gamble on Montgomery could rejuvenate his career and significantly impact the team’s offensive strategy moving forward. Meanwhile, Detroit must adjust to life without a dependable veteran presence in their backfield as they continue their rebuild.
Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs posts a heartbreaking message to ex-teammate David Montgomery on his IG story:
“So long my friend 💔👊”
Montgomery was traded to the Texans this morning. pic.twitter.com/WjyjFrEmyp
— NFL Drop (@TheNFLDrop) March 2, 2026
