The Detroit Lions made significant waves on Monday, trading frustrated running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans. In return, the Lions received a 2026 fourth-round pick, a 2027 seventh-round pick, and G/C Juice Scruggs. Admittedly, getting a haul like that for a 29-year-old RB with a lot of wear and tear on his body is impressive. That doesn’t make it any less sad to see Montgomery go. He was a force for the Lions, and his relationship with Jahmyr Gibbs was special. They formed a lethal duo in the Lions’ backfield, and it was a treat watching “Sonic and Knuckles” dominate the league together. Now, with “Knuckles” in Houston, the Lions have a lot of production to replace. For many reasons, the David Montgomery trade is a sad day for the Detroit Lions.

Success Followed David Montgomery To Detroit

It had been a long time since the Detroit Lions were good. I mean, actually good. Sure, there was one season every few years or so when they would get to 10-6 and sneak into the playoffs. Those rare trips to the postseason never saw an actual playoff victory, though. In fact, the Lions hadn’t won a playoff game since January 5, 1992, when they defeated the Dallas Cowboys 38-6 in the NFC Divisional Round. I was 10 years old. 

That all changed when David Montgomery walked through the door. In 2023, after four solid seasons with the Chicago Bears, D-Mo signed with the Lions for three years and $18 million. The signing paid off immediately for Detroit, as Monty powered his way to 1,015 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. Jahmyr Gibbs, then a rookie, perfectly complemented Montgomery, adding 945 rushing yards and 10 more touchdowns.

The Lions rode the success of their two-headed backfield monster to a 12-5 record and the team’s first-ever NFC North crown. Detroit then earned its first playoff victories in 32 years. Beating Matthew Stafford’s Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card round brought Lions’ fans to tears. The next week, the Lions dispatched the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before falling to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game.

The 2024 season started with a heavy dose of D-Mo. In the opener, a playoff rematch vs LA, Montgomery powered his way through the Rams’ defense, plowing into the end zone in overtime to seal the victory. Although Gibbs was emerging as a true superstar and one of the best players in the NFL, the Lions continued to feature Montgomery. Monty, used as the Lions’ opener to soften up defenses and to close out wins, still put up 775 yards and 12 touchdowns. D-Mo was a big reason the Lions finished the franchise’s best season at 15-2. 

Seeing the Lions’ success in 2023 and 2024 made what happened last year even more confusing.

Montgomery’s Role Was Clearly Diminished in 2025

Despite Montgomery playing such a key role in Detroit’s rise to the top of the NFL, his role was diminished in 2025. Jahmyr Gibbs, who formed a close bond with Montgomery, was clearly the team’s top option. Deservedly so. However, the extent to which Monty’s role had lessened was shocking. As Montgomery’s snaps and touches decreased, HC Dan Campbell would publicly state that the Lions needed to find a way to get him more involved. Those words proved hollow, as “Knuckles” continued to waste away on the sidelines. Even after Campbell assumed playcalling duties from OC John Morton, Montgomery was still an afterthought. It is not surprising that, as Montgomery’s usage nosedived, so did the Lions’ win total. Detroit regressed to 9-8 and failed to reach the playoffs, an unacceptable result for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

Writing Was On The Wall For A Trade

After the season, Montgomery made his displeasure with his role obvious. The veteran back knew he had plenty more to offer his team. Instead of realizing that the Lions must use Montgomery more in 2026, GM Brad Holmes publicly discussed the possibility of trading him. 

Once an organization openly talks about trading a player, the writing is on the wall. It creates an uncomfortable dynamic that is difficult to overcome. Montgomery expressed optimism that he would return to his previous role with the Lions after the team hired new OC Drew Petzing. However, recent reports still indicated that D-Mo wanted out of Detroit.

Aftermath of Trade For Lions

If the Lions weren’t committed to increasing Montgomery’s role, they did right by him. Allowing Monty to go somewhere where he can be featured more is the right thing to do. Although I was against the Lions trading Montgomery, I do commend Brad Holmes for getting such a large return for him. Acquiring another fourth-round pick in the deep 2026 draft is extremely helpful for a team without its third-round picks (traded away in last year’s Isaac TeSlaa deal). Adding an extra seventh-rounder in 2027 gives the Lions a little more flexibility for potential future trades. 

Houston’s inclusion of Juice Scruggs, a G/C reclamation project, gives the Lions extra depth for their offensive line. The 2023 second-round pick has untapped potential. If Detroit can get Scruggs’ talent to show up on the field, the Lions will likely be winners in this trade.

However, Montgomery’s exit leaves a lot of production that needs to be replaced. The Lions have several options in free agency. Travis Etienne could be an option. Anthony Palacios has a nice piece detailing the former Carolina Panthers’ RB Rico Dowdle being a great fit to replace Montgomery.

Losing David Montgomery leaves a giant hole in the Lions’ roster. The Lions’ organization and fans owe D-Mo an enormous “thank you” for everything he accomplished during his time with the team. Detroit would not have had the success it has enjoyed recently without David Montgomery. I think I can speak for all Lions’ fans in wishing Montgomery nothing but the best as a Houston Texan.