A source with knowledge of the transaction tells The Associated Press that the Detroit Lions have sent veteran running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans in exchange for offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, plus fourth and seventh-round draft selections.
The individual confirmed the trade details to the AP on Monday while requesting anonymity since the teams have not yet made an official announcement.
The move allows Detroit to acquire crucial offensive line reinforcement and additional draft capital while parting ways with a veteran back seeking expanded playing time.
Montgomery is expected to compete for a starting position with his new Houston team.
In Detroit, the running back found himself relegated to a reserve role with minimal opportunities to see the field behind Jahymr Gibbs, who has earned Pro Bowl recognition in each of his first three professional seasons.
This past season saw Montgomery post the lowest numbers of his career in both rushing attempts (158) and total rushing yards (716). Despite the reduced workload, he managed eight touchdown runs and averaged 4.5 yards per carry, just shy of his career-high 4.6 yards per attempt from 2023, when he accumulated 1,015 rushing yards and 13 ground scores in his first year wearing a Lions uniform.
The 28-year-old back brings substantial experience to Houston, having compiled 6,115 rushing yards and 59 rushing touchdowns throughout his seven-year career, along with 1,890 receiving yards and four receiving scores split between four seasons in Chicago and three in Detroit.
With Montgomery’s departure, Detroit will likely pursue another backup running back through either free agency signings this month or the upcoming April draft.
Houston originally drafted Scruggs during the second round of the 2023 selection process. The lineman could potentially fill a starting role at either center or guard for Detroit, where strengthening what was once a dominant offensive line has become a crucial offseason objective after the unit’s struggles contributed to the team’s playoff absence.
