David Montgomery, Houston Texans
Getty
David Montgomery #5 of the Detroit Lions warms up before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
New Houston Texans running back David Montgomery did not begin his career with the Detroit Lions, but that is certainly where he made a name for himself. His absence will certainly be felt, and his presence will be missed.
Montgomery has since made it clear that the city of Detroit and the Lions franchise will always hold a special place in his heart.
It speaks to the caliber of player the Texans acquired and the person that he is.
Texans’ David Montgomery Breaks Silence as Ex-Teammate Reacts to Trade
David Montgomery
GettyDavid Montgomery #5 of the Detroit Lions celebrates defeating the Los Angeles Rams
Montgomery was a third-round pick by the Chicago Bears in the 2019 draft, and he spent the first four seasons of his career there before signing with the Lions in free agency in 2023.
He paired with Jahmyr Gibbs to form one of the most potent RB duos in the league. Nicknamed “Sonic & Knuckles,” with Montgomery the latter due to his hard-nosed playing style, they have been the engine for the Lions’ offense during their time together.
In parting, Montgomery shared a heartfelt message to Detroit and the Lions.
“It’s hard to find the right words for a goodbye like this. Detroit has never just been a location to me – it’s been a community. And you all have been more than supporters or a team. You’ve been steady hands, loud cheers, honest feedback, and quiet strength when I needed it most,” Montgomery posted on Instagram on March 2.
“I’m beyond grateful- and I’ll always be proud to say I was shaped by this city and by you. With appreciation and respect, Dmoe.”
Montgomery expressed appreciation for the city’s support through uncertainty and turbulence, and their passion for the team, noting that there was “something special” about the locals and how they “don’t just support someone-you ride with them.”
Montgomery said this goodbye is about growth, but that he will always carry the city with him.
Gibbs also weighed in, sharing an image of a saddened Sonic and Knuckles going their separate ways.
Reactions to Trade Underscore Reality
David Montgomery
GettyDavid Montgomery #5 of the Detroit Lions jogs across the field before the game against the Buffalo Bills.
The Texans’ trade has sparked some telling reactions, both about the current league landscape and their ability to navigate it.
“The Lions probably wanted to trade Montgomery before the new league year began, which sped up the process for the #Texans to decide whether to trade for a running back or take a chance on bidding for one in the FA market,” the Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander posted on X in reaction to the trade. “Ultimately, they decided to make a trade.
“I do think trading a 4th round pick for a 28-year-old RB is a steep price in today’s market, especially considering the Texans got Joe Mixon for a 7th round pick two years ago, and traded Howard for a 5th round pick earlier in the day.”
Alexander noted that the Lions were “always” set to part ways with Montgomery.
Essentially, the Texans played a premium to ensure that he lands with them rather than another team in free agency.
“A running back market reality for #Texans and other #NFL teams is how expensive it’s going to be for Kenneth Walker III, Travis Etienne Jr., Rico Dowdle,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson posted. “So, David Montgomery money-wise makes a lot of sense, but a lot of draft capital in exchange for vet runner.”
Alexander also noted Montgomery’s arrival likely cements Mixon’s exit. However, the move likely bodes well for fellow Texans backs Woody Marks. He profiles as a strong stylistic complement to Montgomery. Jawhar Jordan could also factor into the mix after showing well this past season.
The Texans had competition for Montgomery, too, underscoring the value in being aggressive.
Texans’ Plans Likely Altered
Woody Marks, Houston Texans
GettyWoody Marks #27 of the Houston Texans runs the ball against the Tennessee Titans.
Now that Montgomery is on the roster, the biggest adjustment will likely be to the Texans’ draft plans. Mixon was already expected to be cut this offseason.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if the #Texans’ first four draft picks looked like this: OL, OL, OL, OL,” Alexander said in a follow-up post after the trade. “Realistically, there will probably be a DT and/or a TE sprinkled in there. Still, I wouldn’t be surprised if the former scenario happened.”
This will mark the second straight offseason the Texans are overhauling their offensive line.
“The Texans had nine offensive linemen on their roster for their final game in 2024, the divisional playoff in Kansas City, and seven of those nine are gone 14 months later. Only Blake Fisher and Jarrett Patterson remain,” Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer posted. “That crew’s disappointing 2024 led to a total overhaul.”
With quarterback C.J. Stroud extension-eligible this offseason and entering the final year of his contract, sorting out the offensive line and backfield is imperative for the Texans.
The Texans’ trade for Montgomery all but checks one of those items off the list.