The Houston Texans are acquiring running back David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions in a trade that sends offensive lineman Juice Scruggs and two draft picks to Detroit, according to multiple reports Monday. The deal, which has not yet been officially announced by either team, reshapes part of Houston’s backfield and bolsters Detroit’s depth and assets along the offensive line and in future drafts.
Montgomery, who joined the Lions after beginning his career with the Chicago Bears, has been a physical, between-the-tackles runner known for his contact balance and ability to produce in short-yardage situations. With Detroit, he worked in a backfield that also featured younger options and was part of a rushing attack that emphasized power running and ball control.
By moving for Montgomery, the Texans add an experienced runner to an offense that has been building around young talent on the perimeter and at quarterback. Montgomery’s skill set gives Houston a proven option in early-down situations and in clock-management scenarios. His pass protection and experience in various run schemes may also appeal to Houston’s coaching staff as they continue to develop their offensive identity.
In return, the Lions receive offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, along with two draft picks. Scruggs, who entered the league as an interior lineman, offers Detroit additional flexibility on the offensive front. His ability to play inside positions on the line provides depth and competition, an important factor for a team that has invested heavily in maintaining a strong offensive line to support both the run and pass games.
The inclusion of two draft selections in the trade gives the Lions further resources to shape their roster in upcoming drafts. Those picks create opportunities to address needs, add developmental prospects, or potentially be used as part of future moves. For Detroit, the trade represents a balance between maintaining a functional backfield and building longer-term depth across the roster.
For Houston, the acquisition of Montgomery signals a continued commitment to complementing its aerial attack with a reliable ground game. His track record as a durable, high-effort runner should provide an immediate presence in the Texans’ backfield rotation. As both teams move deeper into the offseason, attention will turn to how Montgomery fits into Houston’s plans and how Detroit leverages its new lineman and additional draft capital.
Specific contract details and any pending conditions related to the trade were not immediately available. The transaction will become official once standard procedures, including physicals and league processing, are completed.
