Detroit Lions Have Officially Traded Superstar Running Back David Montgomery
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
The Detroit Lions have traded running back David Montgomery.
Last month, it was reported that he team might cut him from the roster. Instead of doing that, they got compensation for him. The Lions traded Montgomery to the Houston Texans for offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, a fourth-round pick, and a seventh-round pick in return, per ESPN.
Breaking: Lions are trading RB David Montgomery to the Texans for a 4th-RD pick, a 7th-RD pick, & OL Juice Scruggs per @RapSheet
No more Sonic & Knuckles in Detroit 💔 pic.twitter.com/7L8pJBnteI
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 2, 2026
Montgomery spent the last three seasons with Detroit, racking up over 2,500 rushing yards and an impressive 33 touchdowns.
His production in the last two seasons dwindled due to the emergence of Jahmyr Gibbs, who split time with Montgomery. Now his final two years on his contract will be transferred to Houston.
The Texans are expected to cut ties with Joe Mixon following a freak offseason injury last year. As a result, he missed the entire 2025 season.
David Montgomery Is Just What The Texans Need On Offense
Detroit shed some salary by moving on from Montgomery while leaving more room for Gibbs on the field.
Montgomery handled 158 carries for 716 yards and eight touchdowns for the Lions in 2025. It bolstered a formidable rush duo alongside Jahmyr Gibbs that has earned the popular nickname, “Sonic and Knuckles.” Now, he heads to Houston, who desperately need him.
The Houston Texans ranked 23rd in total rushing offense, accumulating 1,852 yards. They struggled to establish a consistent ground game, averaging roughly 108.9 rushing yards per game. The Lions missed the playoffs in 2025 after finishing with the NFC North’s top record in back-to-back years.
David Montgomery now heads to a squad that has been in the postseason for three straight seasons. Montgomery was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears as a third-round pick out of the 2019 NFL Draft class. He is scheduled to become a free agent again in 2028, barring a new deal with Houston.
