Lions trade RB Montgomery to Texans for Scruggs and two draft picks

The Houston Texans have acquired running back David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions in a trade that includes offensive lineman Juice Scruggs and two draft picks.

Why it matters: This trade signals a strategic shift for both franchises as they strengthen their rosters ahead of the upcoming season.

• The Texans aim to bolster their backfield, potentially providing a more dynamic rushing attack while the Lions look to enhance their offensive line depth.

What’s new: Montgomery, who rushed for 716 yards and eight touchdowns last season with the Lions, joins a Texans team looking for stability at the running back position.

• This acquisition comes after a season where Montgomery experienced a decline in touches, averaging just 9.3 rushes and 10.7 overall touches per game.

By the numbers: Montgomery's performance metrics highlight his transition in recent years.

• In his final season with Detroit, he had 158 rushes, marking his lowest total since entering the league.
• Despite playing all 17 games, he did not exceed 10 carries in any of the Lions' last eight contests, reflecting a diminishing role in the offense.

Zoom In: The Texans decision to acquire Montgomery indicates confidence in his ability to contribute meaningfully, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding Joe Mixon, who missed the entire 2025 season due to injury.

• Montgomery’s contract, which includes a base salary of $5.49 million for this season, is structured to provide immediate impact without long-term financial strain.

Yes, but: While Montgomery brings experience and skill, questions remain about how effectively he can adapt to a new scheme after limited opportunities in Detroit.

• He will be competing for carries alongside Woody Marks, who had a respectable rookie season, rushing for 703 yards, and the potential addition of veteran Nick Chubb, pending his free agency status.

What’s next: As both teams progress through the offseason, attention will turn to how Montgomery integrates into the Texans' offensive strategy.

• The Texans will need to define his role clearly within a system that may utilize a mix of run-heavy and balanced offensive schemes.

The bottom line: This trade could be a pivotal move for the Texans as they seek to build a robust offense, one that can support a burgeoning quarterback and make a significant playoff push in the seasons to come.