Lions Ship Montgomery to Houston in Multi-Pick Deal

Detroit has agreed to send running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans in exchange for offensive lineman Juice Scruggs and two draft picks. Montgomery reportedly requested the trade after three seasons of sharing backfield duties with Jahmyr Gibbs in Detroit.

Multiple sources confirmed Monday that the Detroit Lions have reached an agreement to send running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans in a multi-asset deal.

According to NFL Network, Detroit will acquire offensive lineman Juice Scruggs along with fourth- and seventh-round selections in the upcoming draft as compensation for the veteran back.

ESPN had reported Sunday that Montgomery was seeking a departure from Detroit following three campaigns with the franchise, hoping to find an opportunity where he wouldn’t be sharing backfield responsibilities with Jahmyr Gibbs.

The 28-year-old Montgomery carries a $6 million salary commitment for the 2026 campaign.

Houston’s ground game struggled significantly this past season, ranking 22nd league-wide with just 108.9 rushing yards per contest after Joe Mixon missed the entire year due to injury. First-year player Woody Marks paced the team’s rushing attack with 703 yards, while 30-year-old Nick Chubb contributed 506 yards.

Montgomery experienced his least productive season statistically, accumulating 716 rushing yards and eight scores across 17 appearances without a single start in 2025.

Throughout his NFL tenure, he has compiled 6,115 rushing yards with 59 touchdowns while adding 231 receptions for 1,890 yards and four receiving scores over 105 games (79 starts) between Chicago (2019-22) and Detroit. The Bears selected him in the third round of the 2019 draft.

The deal cannot be finalized until March 11, when the new league year officially begins.

Houston also reportedly reached terms earlier Monday to send starting right tackle Tytus Howard to Cleveland in exchange for a fifth-round draft selection.

The 26-year-old Scruggs has appeared in 37 contests with 20 starts since Houston selected him in the second round two years ago.

Meanwhile, Gibbs earned his third consecutive Pro Bowl selection in 2025 after rushing for 1,223 yards and 13 touchdowns in 17 starting assignments. He will celebrate his 24th birthday on March 20.