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Houston Today
By the People, for the People
Texans Acquire Lions RB David Montgomery in Trade
Houston Texans bolster backfield with addition of veteran running back
Mar. 11, 2026 at 9:03pm
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The Houston Texans have officially acquired star running back David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions in exchange for several late-round picks and offensive lineman Juice Scruggs. Montgomery, who has been one of the league's top No. 2 rushers since joining the Lions, is expected to become the Texans' new lead back, pairing with rookie Woody Marks in the backfield.
Why it matters
The Texans were in need of a lead running back after releasing Pro Bowl RB Joe Mixon, and Montgomery provides an experienced and productive option to anchor their ground game. His arrival should help stabilize the Texans' offense as they look to build around young quarterback Woody Marks.
The details
Montgomery has averaged over 740 rushing yards per season and 10 touchdowns over his three years with the Lions, serving as a complement to All-Pro Jahmyr Gibbs. In Houston, he is expected to take on a larger role as the lead back, similar to his time with the Chicago Bears from 2019-2022 when he rushed for 716 yards and 8 touchdowns last season.
- The trade was officially announced on March 11, 2026.
- Montgomery had been seeking a trade out of Detroit as he entered the final year of his current contract.
The players
David Montgomery
A veteran running back who has spent the last three seasons with the Detroit Lions, establishing himself as one of the league's top No. 2 rushers.
Woody Marks
A rookie running back drafted by the Houston Texans, who will now form a backfield tandem with the newly acquired David Montgomery.
Joe Mixon
A Pro Bowl running back who was recently released by the Texans following a missed season due to a lingering foot injury.
Jahmyr Gibbs
An All-Pro running back for the Detroit Lions, who has shared the backfield with David Montgomery over the past three seasons.
Juice Scruggs
An offensive lineman who was traded by the Houston Texans to the Detroit Lions as part of the deal for David Montgomery.
What’s next
The Texans will now work to integrate Montgomery into their offense and prepare him to be the team's lead running back for the 2026 season.
The takeaway
The Texans have made a savvy move to bolster their backfield by acquiring the experienced and productive David Montgomery, who should provide a reliable rushing attack to complement their young quarterback Woody Marks. This trade helps the Texans take a step forward in their rebuilding process.
