BREAKING: Detroit Lions Trade David Montgomery

March 02, 2026 ,

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery reacts during 2025 game.

Just one day after publicly shutting down trade speculation, David Montgomery is on the move. 

The Detroit Lions have traded the veteran running back to the Houston Texans, ending one of the NFL’s most productive backfield tandems.

Lions Move On From David Montgomery to Elevate Jahmyr Gibbs

The Detroit Lions are sending Montgomery to the Houston Texans in exchange for a fourth-round pick, offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, and a seventh-round pick.

The move comes as Detroit leans fully into the explosive playmaking of Jahmyr Gibbs, who increasingly took over the backfield workload during the 2025 season.

Montgomery, 28, remained productive despite the reduced role. He rushed for eight touchdowns while averaging 4.5 yards per carry, continuing the physical, between-the-tackles style that made him a key piece of Detroit’s offense since arriving in 2023. 

With a manageable $6 million salary for 2026 and a reputation as a durable, tone-setting runner, the Lions opted to move him now rather than risk declining value at a position known for short career peaks.

Texans Add Proven Production to Support C.J. Stroud

For the Houston Texans, the trade is a win-now addition to support quarterback C.J. Stroud and a young offense that continues to trend upward.

Across his career, Montgomery has topped 1,000 scrimmage yards in multiple seasons and has been one of the league’s more consistent goal-line threats. 

His arrival gives Houston a proven veteran presence in the backfield while Detroit moves forward with a younger, speed-based approach built around Gibbs and an offense that ranked among the league’s most efficient units in 2025.

Photo Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

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