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The Detroit Lions have reportedly traded running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans in exchange for offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, as well as a fourth-round and seven-round draft picks, sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero on Monday (March 2).
"Trade! The Lions are sending RB David Montgomery to the Texans, sources tell The Insiders," Pelissero wrote on his X account. "Compensation update: The Texans are sending OL Juice Scruggs, a 4th-rounder and a 7th-rounder to Detroit for David Montgomery."
Montgomery will reportedly join a Texans rushing attack that recorded 1,852 total yards, with Woody Marks leading the team with 703 yards and two touchdowns on 196 rushing attempts (3.6 yards per carry).
Montgomery recorded 716 yards and eight touchdowns in 2025, despite his role steadily diminishing over his three-year tenure amid the emergence of three-time Pro Bowler Jahmyr Gibbs. The trade followed reports that Montgomery was unhappy with his reduced role but had "healthy dialogue" with Lions general manager Brad Holmes regarding his future during the offseason.
Montgomery had 158 rushing attempts and 182 total touches during the 2025 season, which were both low-points for his tenure with the Lions, despite appearing in all 17 games. The veteran running back had previously averaged 14.4 rushing attempts and 16.3 touches per game during his first two seasons in Detroit.
The Texans had previously traded offensive lineman Tytus Howard to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick before shipping Howard to Detroit.