Trending Now - Lions Restructure Team Amid Injuries and Free Agency Needs

WHO:

David Montgomery, running back for the Detroit Lions

Houston Texans, NFL team acquiring Montgomery

Juice Scruggs, offensive lineman traded to the Lions

Jahmyr Gibbs, running back for the Lions and Montgomery's former teammate

Woody Marks, running back for the Texans

Brad Holmes, General Manager of the Detroit Lions

Joe Mixon, running back who missed the entire 2025 season due to injury

Nick Chubb, veteran running back and pending free agent

WHAT:

The Detroit Lions traded David Montgomery to the Houston Texans.

The trade included offensive lineman Juice Scruggs and a 2026 fourth-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick.

Montgomery rushed for 716 yards and eight touchdowns in the 2025 season.

Montgomery had a total of 2,506 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns over three seasons with the Lions.

Montgomery's contract includes a cap hit of $8.3 million for the 2026 season.

The Texans ranked 22nd in rushing yards per game in 2025.

Montgomery's role in Detroit diminished as Jahmyr Gibbs became the lead back.

WHERE:

The trade occurred between the Detroit Lions and the Houston Texans.

Montgomery played for the Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan.

WHEN:

The trade was reported on March 2, 2026.

The official start of the new league year is on March 11, 2026.

The NFL's legal tampering period begins on March 9, 2026.

WHY:

Montgomery's role was reduced in 2025, leading to dissatisfaction with his playing time.

The Lions aimed to save salary cap space and acquire draft picks and depth on the offensive line.

HOW:

The trade was executed as part of the Lions' strategy to retool their roster and address salary cap issues.

The Texans sought to bolster their running back position after a lackluster rushing attack in the previous season.

In a significant move, the Detroit Lions traded running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans on March 2, 2026. The deal included offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, along with a fourth-round pick in 2026 and a seventh-round pick in 2027. Montgomery, who rushed for 716 yards and eight touchdowns last season, saw his role diminish as Jahmyr Gibbs emerged as the lead back in Detroit. The Texans, who ranked 22nd in rushing yards per game in 2025, are looking to strengthen their running back position after a disappointing season. This trade is part of the Lions' strategy to save salary cap space and improve their offensive line depth ahead of the new league year starting on March 11.