Detroit, United States
News Desk | Sports
Detroit — The Detroit Lions have agreed to trade running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans in a deal involving offensive lineman Juice Scruggs and multiple draft picks, according to multiple media reports on Monday. The move comes as both teams reshape their rosters ahead of the 2026 NFL season, with the transaction expected to become official when the league’s new year begins on March 11.
Under the reported terms, Detroit will receive Scruggs along with a fourth-round pick and a seventh-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft. Houston will acquire Montgomery, a veteran running back who spent the past three seasons with the Lions after beginning his career with the Chicago Bears.
David Montgomery, 28, rushed for 716 yards and eight touchdowns during the 2025 season while sharing backfield duties with Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs. His role diminished as Gibbs took on a larger share of the offense, contributing to speculation during the offseason about Montgomery’s long-term future with the team.
Reports of the trade surfaced shortly after Montgomery publicly dismissed rumors that he had requested a move. In a brief social media response to speculation about his status, the running back questioned the reports suggesting he wanted to leave Detroit.
Detroit signed David Montgomery in 2023 to bolster its running game, and he quickly became a key part of the team’s offense. During his tenure with the Lions, he accumulated more than 2,500 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns, forming a productive backfield pairing with Gibbs that fans nicknamed Sonic and Knuckles.
For Houston, the acquisition addresses concerns in the team’s rushing attack. The Texans ranked near the bottom of the league in several rushing categories in 2025 after injuries limited the availability of veteran running back Joe Mixon. Team officials have indicated the backfield could undergo significant changes heading into the next season.
Montgomery entered the NFL in 2019 after being drafted by the Chicago Bears and has compiled more than 6,000 career rushing yards and 59 touchdowns across his time with Chicago and Detroit.
The trade also provides Detroit with additional draft capital and depth along the offensive line with the addition of Scruggs, who was selected by Houston in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Both franchises are expected to finalize the deal when the NFL’s new league year begins later this month.
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