Texans Land David Montgomery in Major Trade With Lions

Houston Texans fans are waking up to major news as the team has traded for running back David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Texans sent offensive lineman Juice Scruggs and two draft picks to Detroit in exchange for the 28-year-old back, marking a bold move ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

The trade addresses a key need for Houston, who have been seeking to bolster their backfield. Montgomery, known for his versatility and consistency, arrives after two seasons with Detroit, where he rushed for over 2,000 yards combined and contributed significantly to the Lions' offense.

• David Montgomery has rushed for more than 5,000 yards and 40 touchdowns in his NFL career, spanning stints with the Bears and Lions.
• The Texans parted with second-year interior lineman Juice Scruggs, who was a 2023 second-round pick, along with two undisclosed draft selections.
• Montgomery was a pivotal part of Detroit's red zone success and helped the team reach the playoffs in 2024 and 2025.

For Houston, Montgomery is expected to provide an immediate upgrade at running back. His blend of power running and pass-catching ability gives the Texans greater tactical flexibility, especially in third-down situations. The move also signals the Texans' commitment to building around a balanced offensive attack for the upcoming campaign.

Meanwhile, Detroit receives a promising young lineman in Scruggs, who has shown flashes of starting potential since entering the league, plus the added value of extra draft capital. This could help the Lions reinforce their offensive line and address depth concerns at other positions through the draft.

While contract details and the exact nature of the draft picks have not yet been disclosed, the trade is already generating significant buzz around the league. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on how Montgomery adapts to his new team and how both franchises leverage this roster shakeup moving forward.