Lions RB David Montgomery
Getty
Lions RB David Montgomery
According toIan Rapoport, theDetroit Lions are tradingDavid Montgomery to theHouston Texans in exchange for a 2026 fourth round pick, offensive linemanJuice Scruggs, and a seventh rounder.
The move comes justone day after Montgomery publicly denied reports that he “wanted out” of Detroit, responding on social media with, “Dmo told you that?” after ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler suggested he was seeking a change of scenery.
Whether he pushed for it or not, the result is the same… Montgomery is out of the NFC North. And that’s good news for theChicago Bears.
Why this helps the Bears
Lions RB David Montgomery
GettyLions RB David Montgomery
From a purely divisional standpoint, this is good news for the Chicago Bears.
Montgomery has consistently been a problem for the Bears since leaving in free agency. In five games against his former team as a Lion,he averaged 5.3 yards per carry and nearly 69 rushing yards per game.
Now, instead of facing him twice per year, the Bears won’t see him at all in the regular season unless it’s in February.
David Montgomery didn’t start a game in 2025 after starting 28 the previous two seasons, though he still appeared in all 17 games. Statistically, the drop wasn’t super crazy (just 27 fewer carries and 59 fewer yards than the year prior)… But Detroit favoredJahmyr Gibbs’ speed and big play ability.
Still, Montgomery’s value went beyond box scores. He averaged 4.5 yards per carry in Detroit, thriving as the physical tone setter who softened defenses and allowed Gibbs to maximize space. The Lions’ ground attack ranked among the league’s best in 2023 and 2024 when the two formed a true tandem.
New offensive coordinator Drew Petzing had publicly praised Montgomerysaying, “He’s a dynamic back who can affect the game with the ball in his hands. He’s really a three-down back,” Petzing said. “There’s not a lot you’re going to look at him and say, ‘He can’t do this’ or ‘He can’t do that.’ So that’s all I said. I said, ‘Hey, I’m excited to work with you. I can’t wait to get you into the building.'”
General manager Brad Holmes even stated, “We love David. He’s a great player. We’d love to have him.”
Detroit’s risky bet
Lions RB David Montgomery
GettyLions RB David Montgomery
That makes the trade notable. Detroit is betting that Jahmyr Gibbs can carry a heavier load and that its depth (currently featuringSione Vaki andJacob Saylors) is enough behind him. That’s a gamble.
The NFC North remains the toughest division in football. Any subtraction from Detroit’s offensive identity matters, especially one that removes a physical, reliable veteran who historically raised his level against the Chicago Bears.
David Montgomery is under contract for two more seasons at a reasonable rate, so this wasn’t purely a financial dump. It was a strategic choice. And if Detroit’s rushing attack regresses without its power complement, the Bears could be the indirect beneficiary.
Sometimes helping Chicago doesn’t require the Bears to make a move. Sometimes it just takes a division rival making one.