Lions Trade RB David Montgomery to Texans

Detroit receives 4th-round pick, OL Juice Scruggs, and 7th-round pick in return

Mar. 2, 2026 at 2:39pm

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The Detroit Lions have traded running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans, according to reports. In exchange, the Lions will receive a 4th-round draft pick, offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, and a 7th-round pick from the Texans.

Why it matters

The trade comes after a 2025 season in which Montgomery saw his role diminish with the emergence of Jahmyr Gibbs in the Lions' backfield. The move clears up over $3.5 million in cap space for Detroit, but also creates a need at the second running back position.

The details

There was clearly some tension between Montgomery and the Lions after the 2025 season, in which Montgomery saw his usage decline with the rise of Jahmyr Gibbs. Just last week, Lions general manager Brad Holmes suggested that there were still ongoing talks between the Lions and Montgomery about his future with the team.

  • The trade was reported on March 2, 2026.

The players

David Montgomery

A running back who played for the Detroit Lions.

Jahmyr Gibbs

A running back who emerged as a key player for the Detroit Lions in 2025.

Brad Holmes

The general manager of the Detroit Lions.

Juice Scruggs

An offensive lineman who the Detroit Lions are receiving in the trade with the Houston Texans.

Tom Pelissero

An NFL Network reporter who first reported the trade.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously, look, we love David. He's a great player. We would love to have him. Kind of want to put last year in the rearview and just move forward. But a player has to want to be at a certain place as well, so those conversations are still fluid and we're just kind of seeing how it goes.”

— Brad Holmes, General Manager, Detroit Lions

What’s next

The trade is pending league approval and the Lions will need to address their running back depth chart in the offseason.

The takeaway

This trade signals a shift in the Lions' backfield, as they move on from David Montgomery after his role diminished in 2025. The move clears up cap space for Detroit, but also creates a need that they will need to address in the coming months.