After Texans Trade For Lions RB David Montgomery, What Will Bring To The Team?

The NFL off-season is in full swing, with the Houston Texans adding to their running back room with the trade for Detroit Lions David Montgomery.

The Texans traded offensive linemen Juice Scruggs along with a 2026 fourth-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick. A very good haul for a running back who will be 29 heading into next season.

Montgomery was a part of arguably the best running back duo in the NFL over the past three seasons with his counterpart, Jahmyr Gibbs. The duo was nicknamed Sonic & Knuckles and wreaked havoc against NFL defenses.

Montgomery tallied 2,506 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns during his stint with the Lions. Montgomery spent four seasons with the Chicago Bears before leaving in free agency in 2023.

The Texans will be pairing Montgomery with second-year running back Woody Marks as they look to bolster their run game. Texans were led by Marks and Nick Chubb last season, which was ranked 22 in rushing yards per game.

With Joe Mixon likely out of the equation due to his bizarre injury situation, which led him to miss all of the 2025 season, Montgomery will be the starter for the Texans next season.

Montgomery wanted more volume, which was why he got traded. Montgomery had what was deemed a “healthy dialogue” with Lions general manager Brad Holmes this offseason. Montgomery saw a drop in touches and rushes with the emergence of Gibbs.

Montgomery took to social media to thank the Lions and the fanbase, writing, “everything I do next carries a piece of Detroit with it. The work ethic. The edge. The heart.”

The Texans will owe Montgomery $5.49 million this season after signing an extension with the Lions in 2024.