Lions Trade Montgomery to Texans
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery is headed to Houston in a blockbuster trade that nets the Lions a 4th round pick, offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, and a 7th round pick. The deal clears cap space for Detroit to support emerging star Jameer Gibbs while giving Houston veteran leadership in their backfield. For the Texans, this signals a serious push to solidify their ground game with proven talent.
In the 2025 season, David Montgomery formed a potent duo with Jahmyr Gibbs, helping the Detroit Lions amass 2,041 total rushing yards. Montgomery's departure solidifies Gibbs as the undisputed lead back for the Lions, who will now look to build on a rushing attack that averaged 4.6 yards per carry. The Houston Texans are acquiring Montgomery to bolster a running game that ranked 22nd in the league with 108.9 rushing yards per game in 2025. Their leading rusher was Woody Marks with 703 yards, and the team as a whole averaged just 3.9 yards per carry, indicating a clear need for a veteran presence like Montgomery. Coming to Detroit is offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, a 2023 second-round pick. In 2025, Scruggs played in all 17 games for the Texans but started only one, earning a PFF pass-blocking grade of 57.7 and a run-blocking grade of 40.5. The Lions may see him as a candidate to compete for the starting center position following the release of veteran Graham Glasgow. Scruggs is on a rookie contract with a cap hit of just under $1.6 million for 2026, providing the Lions with an affordable depth option on the offensive line. This move, coupled with the draft picks, gives Detroit financial flexibility and future assets. The draft compensation in the trade could be significant for the Lions' future plans. The 2026 NFL Draft is considered to have a strong and deep running back class, with Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love viewed as a top-tier prospect. This allows the Lions to potentially find a cost-effective running mate for Gibbs in the later rounds. For the Texans, this trade signifies a commitment to improving their offensive line and protecting their franchise quarterback. Despite their struggles in the running game, the Texans' offensive line was also ranked last by Pro Football Focus heading into the 2025 season, making the addition of a reliable veteran running back an immediate priority.
