The Detroit Lions have parted ways with running back David Montgomery, who was traded to the Houston Texans in a deal that reshapes their backfield for the upcoming NFL season. This move breaks up the highly effective tandem of Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, a partnership that has been one of the NFL’s most productive in recent years. With the Lions receiving draft picks in 2026 and offensive lineman Juice Scruggs from Houston, the team is preparing to adjust its offense around Gibbs’ expanded role.
For Houston, Montgomery joins a running back group that includes Woody Marks and the currently sidelined Joe Mixon, adding depth to their offense. Meanwhile, the Lions anticipate that Jahmyr Gibbs will emerge as their primary running back and offensive weapon moving forward.
The Opportunity for Jahmyr Gibbs to Lead Detroit’s Backfield
With Montgomery’s departure, Jahmyr Gibbs is poised for a significant uptick in responsibilities during the upcoming season. Having posted over 1,200 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards while scoring more than 18 touchdowns in each of the last two seasons, Gibbs is established as a versatile offensive threat. The expectation now is that he will take on a bell-cow role that could translate into increased touches and scoring chances.
Current Composition of the Lions’ Running Back Roster
The Detroit Lions’ backfield beyond Gibbs remains young and largely untested at the professional level. Aside from Gibbs, no other running back on the team has exceeded 100 career rushing yards, highlighting the uncertainty in depth and experience.
This lack of proven talent behind Gibbs suggests the Lions might consider further roster moves through free agency or the NFL Draft to bolster their running back options. Presently, the Detroit RB depth chart is as follows:
Jahmyr Gibbs: A three-time Pro Bowler, Gibbs has accumulated 3,580 rushing yards, 39 touchdowns on the ground, along with 181 catches for 1,449 yards and 10 receiving touchdowns. His performance history secures him as Detroit’s lead back.
Jacob Saylers: Entering his second season, Saylers saw minimal action during his rookie year, with just two carries totaling 11 yards.
Sione Vaki: A recent 2024 fourth-round draft pick, Vaki has had limited playtime, with a single carry for four yards in his initial season.
Jabari Small: Another rookie from last year, Small has yet to make a statistical impact in games.
Potential Implications and Anticipated Changes for Detroit’s Offense
The dismantling of the ‘Sonic and Knuckles’ duo—referring to Montgomery and Gibbs’ partnership—has prompted reactions from fans and analysts alike. The trade signals a new phase for Detroit’s rushing attack, one heavily reliant on Gibbs’ ability to handle a larger workload.
The reshaped backfield places significant pressure on Gibbs to maintain and elevate his performance, while the team’s management will likely explore additional options to support him. This transition period could affect the Lions’ offensive rhythm but may also unlock greater fantasy value for Gibbs as he becomes the central figure in Detroit’s running game.
TRADE TERMS:
Texans get RB David Montgomery
Lions get: 2026 4th-round pick and a 7th-round pick and IOL Juice Scruggs. https://t.co/N0qnjry7UV
— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) March 2, 2026
