Sources: Texans acquire RB David Montgomery in trade with Lions - ESPN

HOUSTON — The Texans are acquiring running back David Montgomery in a trade with the Detroit Lions for offensive lineman Juice Scruggs and two draft picks, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday.

The Lions also will receive a 2026 fourth-round draft pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick, the sources said.

Montgomery had 2,506 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns in three seasons with the Lions. He signed with the Lions in 2023 after four seasons with the Chicago Bears, who selected him in the third round of the 2019 draft.

Houston entered the offseason looking to bolster their running game after a lackluster 2025 year led by fourth-round rookie Woody Marks and Nick Chubb, who is a pending free agent. The Texans ranked 22nd in rushing yards per game (108) as Marks led with 703 yards on the ground.

Montgomery will enter the 2026 season as the No. 1 back for Houston. This also gives more clarity on how the Texans plan to approach Joe Mixon's situation. Mixon, who the Texans traded for two years ago, missed the entire 2025 season with a foot injury. League sources expect Houston will most likely release Mixon.

Montgomery was unhappy with his reduced role in 2025 while playing alongside Pro Bowler Jahmyr Gibbs in the backfield but did engage in «healthy dialogue» with Lions general manager Brad Holmes this offseason while deciding whether to push for a trade or remain in Detroit.

Montgomery had his fewest rushes (158) and touches (182) in a season in his career despite playing all 17 games last season.

After averaging 14.4 rushes per game and 16.3 touches per game in his first two seasons with the Lions, Montgomery averaged 9.3 rushes per game and 10.7 touches per game last season.

Montgomery played 41% of the offensive snaps