Why Lions and Texans agreed to trade for running back David Montgomery

Why Lions and Texans agreed to trade for running back David Montgomery originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Detroit Lions and Houston Texans have reportedly agreed to a trade.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Lions are sending running back David Montgomery to the Texans in exchange for a fifth-round pick.

"Trade: Lions are sending RB David Montgomery to the Texans for a 5th-round pick, per sources," Schefter reported.

Montgomery was widely viewed as a trade candidate going into the offseason, and now a trade has come to fruition.

Why Lions, Texans trade happened

A recent report suggested Montgomery wanted out of Detroit.

Montgomery saw his role decrease behind Jahmyr Gibbs last season and was clearly not thrilled with that arrangement, which led to general manager Brad Holmes admitting that Montgomery could get moved in 2026.

"Those are discussions that we're going to have a lot more in depth, in terms of, like, what is the best plan for him going forward? Is it somewhere else, or whatever the case be?" Holmes said.

As for the Texans, they are almost certainly going to cut veteran Joe Mixon, who missed all of last season with a foot injury.

Houston needed a veteran starter at the top of the depth chart to complement Woody Marks and Jawhar Jordan. Montgomery checks that box.

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