On Monday, the Detroit Lions completed a significant offseason trade by sending running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans. However, the Denver Broncos reportedly tried to intervene and acquire Montgomery themselves, raising the stakes for the Lions’ prized running back. This David Montgomery trade bid revealed a competitive scramble between teams aiming to strengthen their backfield ahead of the 2026 season.
Houston Texans Increase Their Offer After Broncos Enter the Picture
Initial reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter indicated that the Texans secured Montgomery by giving up only a fifth-round draft pick. Yet, the details swiftly evolved once the Broncos showed interest. Houston upgraded their offer to include a fourth-round and seventh-round pick, along with offensive lineman Juice Scruggs.
TRADE: Lions trading RB David Montgomery to Texans in exchange for a fourth-round pick, a seventh-round pick and OL Juice Scruggs. (via @RapSheet, @TomPelissero, @MikeGarafolo) pic.twitter.com/gcqGmh6eMY— NFL (@NFL) March 2, 2026
According to reports from Benjamin Allbright of KOA 850, Denver’s bid for Montgomery prompted Houston to refine their package to seal the deal.
Confirmed. Someone tried to jump in on Houston after original trade was a 5th rounder + https://t.co/sf02kVFd5Y— Troy_OTC (@TexansCap) March 2, 2026
Details of Broncos’ Proposed Offer and Why They Withdrew
The Broncos reportedly contacted Detroit with an offer including a fourth-round pick, which led the Lions to inform Houston of the competing bid. Houston then matched and exceeded Denver’s terms, presenting a package that Denver decided not to surpass. The hypothetical Broncos-Montgomery trade could have looked like this: Denver would have received David Montgomery, while Detroit would have gotten the 2026 fourth-round pick, a 2027 seventh-round pick, and offensive lineman Alex Forsyth. However, the Broncos ultimately stepped back to avoid paying what they considered an inflated price.
Though Montgomery, turning 29 in June, offers the Broncos a powerful and gritty rushing option, the team prioritized flexibility given the availability of capable free-agent running backs. The decision to stop bidding reflected their strategic evaluation of cost versus value, leaving Montgomery to join Houston.
Potential Impact of Montgomery Joining the Broncos
Had Denver succeeded in obtaining Montgomery, their running back roster would have featured a hard-nosed runner who complements J.K. Dobbins, potentially creating a dynamic three-back system. Such a formation could have enhanced Denver’s ground game significantly. Despite the missed opportunity, the Broncos’ choice to step aside signals a careful budget approach in free agency amid several running back targets still open.
Trade: Lions are sending RB David Montgomery to the Texans for a 5th-round pick, per sources. pic.twitter.com/0DmXwSN2My
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 2, 2026
TRADE: Lions trading RB David Montgomery to Texans in exchange for a fourth-round pick, a seventh-round pick and OL Juice Scruggs. (via @RapSheet, @TomPelissero, @MikeGarafolo) pic.twitter.com/gcqGmh6eMY
— NFL (@NFL) March 2, 2026
Denver
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) March 2, 2026
Confirmed. Someone tried to jump in on Houston after original trade was a 5th rounder + https://t.co/sf02kVFd5Y
— Troy_OTC (@TexansCap) March 2, 2026
