On Monday, the Detroit Lions traded running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans in exchange for offensive lineman Juice Scruggs and two NFL Draft picks, a fourth and a seventh-round selection. This move allows Detroit to bolster their offensive line while offering Montgomery a fresh opportunity with Houston.
Montgomery’s Role and Performance Before Trade
Montgomery, a veteran running back, sought a larger role but was limited behind Pro Bowl running back Jahymr Gibbs, who has been recognized for his performance in each of his first three NFL seasons. During the past season, Montgomery recorded career lows in rushing attempts (158) and yards (716), yet he still managed to score eight touchdowns. His 4.5 yards per carry was just slightly below his career-best 4.6 figure achieved during his debut season when he rushed for 1,015 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Career Overview and Future Prospects
The 28-year-old Montgomery has compiled 6,115 rushing yards, 59 rushing touchdowns, 1,890 receiving yards, and four receiving touchdowns in his combined tenure with the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions. Following his departure, Detroit is expected to pursue new options to support their running back depth through the upcoming free agency or the 2024 NFL Draft.
Impact of Juice Scruggs’ Arrival in Detroit
Juice Scruggs, a second-round pick by Houston in 2023, is anticipated to strengthen Detroit’s offensive line. He could potentially fill roles at center or guard positions, which have been a significant area of concern for the Lions. Improving the offensive line is a clear priority this offseason after offensive weaknesses contributed to Detroit missing the playoffs.
