Less than 24 hours after sarcastically dismissing trade speculation on social media, David Montgomery was officially dealt. The Detroit Lions agreed to send the 28-year-old running back to the Houston Texans on Monday, March 2, 2026, ending a three-year partnership that produced some of the most productive rushing seasons in recent Lions history. The deal was confirmed by NFL Network and ESPN.
Terms of the Deal
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery watches drills during training camp Friday, July 28, 2023.
Detroit will receive a 2026 fourth-round pick, a 2027 seventh-round pick, and offensive lineman Juice Scruggs from Houston. The return was widely regarded as a strong haul for a running back in his late 20s. The Lions also netted an estimated $3.5 million in cap savings for the 2026 season, giving general manager Brad Holmes additional financial flexibility heading into free agency and the draft.
Holmes Saw It Coming
Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Lions GM Brad Holmes addressed Montgomery’s future at the NFL Scouting Combine on February 24, choosing his words carefully. “We love David. He’s a great player. We’d love to have him. Kind of want to put last year in the rear view and just move forward. But, obviously, a player has to want to be in a certain place as well. So those conversations are still fluid and we’re just trying to see how it goes.” Within a week, the trade was finalized.
Montgomery’s Pointed Response
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) warms up ahead of the season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023.
On Sunday, March 1, reports surfaced that the Lions were seeking “a decent Day 3 pick” for Montgomery. He responded immediately on social media with a sarcastic five-word reply dismissing the report. The trade came through the following morning, and Detroit ultimately received more than just a late-round selection. The exchange highlighted the frustration that had been building over Montgomery’s reduced role throughout the 2025 season and offseason.
An Emotional Farewell
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) runs against Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) and defensive tackle Broderick Washington (96) during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Md. on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025.
After the trade was announced, Montgomery posted a heartfelt message on Instagram directed at Detroit fans. “It’s hard to find the right words for a goodbye like this,” he wrote. “Detroit has never just been a location to me. It’s been a community.” He described the move as a product of growth, writing: “This isn’t goodbye because something ended. It’s goodbye because something grew. And growth sometimes calls us forward.”
What Montgomery Brought to Detroit
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) walks off the field after practice during training camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Sunday, July 20, 2025.
In three seasons with the Lions, Montgomery established himself as one of the NFL’s most reliable goal-line backs. He surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in 2023 and combined for 25 touchdowns across the 2023 and 2024 seasons. His role declined significantly in 2025, as he finished with career lows in Detroit in carries (158), rushing yards (716), and yards from scrimmage (908), while Jahmyr Gibbs took full control of the backfield.
Why Houston Pulled the Trigger
Feb 1, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; Houston Texans receiver Nico Collins (28) and running back Joe Mixon (28) during AFC Practice for the Pro Bowl Games at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Texans entered the 2026 offseason with a glaring need at running back. Joe Mixon suffered an injury before the 2025 season even kicked off, wiping out his entire year. Woody Marks stepped in as the primary option but finished with a 3.59 yards-per-carry average, ranking 100th among all ball carriers. Houston identified Montgomery as a proven, durable lead back and moved quickly to secure him before the new league year opened on March 11.
Montgomery’s Path to a Starting Role
Jan 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) runs with the ball against Chicago Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright (26) during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Montgomery projects as an immediate starter in Houston. The Texans carry significant uncertainty around Mixon’s long-term future, and Marks is not viewed as a proven every-down back. Montgomery’s experience in goal-line and short-yardage situations, combined with his track record of performing in high-leverage offensive systems, gives him a straightforward path to being the team’s primary ball carrier from day one of the 2026 season.
Who Is Juice Scruggs?
Nov 16, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Houston Texans center Juice Scruggs (70) warms up before the game between the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
The player heading to Detroit, offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, is 26 years old, stands 6 feet 3 inches, and weighs 310 pounds. He played in 37 games with 20 starts for Houston and carries a cap hit of $1.94 million in 2026, the final year of his rookie contract. He logged 351 offensive snaps in 2025, primarily at left guard, and offers the Lions versatile interior line depth at minimal cost.
Detroit Looks Ahead
Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
With the trade finalized, the Lions added draft capital while keeping the backfield entirely in Gibbs’ hands. The additional 2026 fourth-round pick gives Holmes more flexibility in what projects as a deep draft class. Head coach Dan Campbell had been candid before the trade, calling Montgomery a standout back who handles adversity professionally. The Lions’ answer came quickly.
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Sources:
“Lions Trade RB David Montgomery to Texans in Exchange for OL Juice Scruggs, Draft Picks.” NFL.com, March 2, 2026.
“What the David Montgomery Trade Means for Texans, Lions.” ESPN, March 2, 2026.
“Lions Trade Disgruntled Montgomery to Texans for Scruggs, 4th and 7th-Round Picks.” Associated Press via WTOP, March 2, 2026.
“Brad Holmes on David Montgomery: We Want to Put 2025 in the Rear View.” NBC Sports Pro Football Talk, February 24, 2026.
“Juice Scruggs Primer: What Have the Detroit Lions Gotten?” Lions Wire via USA Today, March 3, 2026.
