Major changes are being made in Detroit.
The Lions are trading star running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans for a fourth-round draft pick, a seventh-round draft pick, and offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, according to multiple reports.
Rumors had been swirling at the NFL combine that he wanted out, though Montgomery himself appeared to deny them on Sunday.
David Montgomery had previously denied wanting to be traded just last week. Jorge Lemus/NurPhoto/Shutterstock
“Damn, Dmo told you that?” Montgomery wrote on X.
Montgomery had a strong three seasons with the Lions, rushing for 1,015 yards in his first year in 2023, but has seen his attempts drop each year with the Lions.
The Lions are expected to re-sign Jahmyr Gibbs this offseason for a massive contract extension as he takes control of the always productive Detroit backfield.
From a yards-per-carry perspective, Montgomery averaged a career best 4.5 YPC in 2025, though he was given just 716 attempts.
The Texans profile as an ideal spot for Montgomery’s services with a clear path to playing time in Houston.
Montgomery figures to compete with Woody Marks, who looked like a strong contributor as a rookie for the Texans, for the top running back job.
Houston also has former Bengals star running back Joe Mixon on the roster, though he did not play one snap last season as he dealt with an undisclosed injury that appears to have his future significantly in doubt.
CJ Stroud hands off to Woody Marks and will be doing the same for David Montgomery. Getty ImagesThe Texans trading for Montgomery will further complicate things for Mixon as they look to build around CJ Stroud.
Stroud took a major step back last season, prompting questions over whether he will be traded and Houston even fired their quarterbacks coach as a result.
The Texans went 12-5 last season and made it to the playoffs before falling to the Patriots.
