Lions trade David Montgomery to Texans for draft pick

The Lions traded running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans for a draft pick on March 2. Montgomery, who had a reduced role in 2023, will earn $6 million in his first year of a two‑year extension with the Texans.

The move frees roughly $3.5 million in cap space for Detroit, allowing the team to pursue cost‑effective running‑back options such as Brian Robinson or Najee Harris. Montgomery’s departure ends the “Sonic and Knuckles” tandem with Jahmyr Gibbs.