The Detroit Lions are making a big change in their backfield. The team has decided to move on from its two-running-back combination, ending the partnership that fans nicknamed “Knuckles from Sonic.”
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Running back David Montgomery has been traded to the Houston Texans on Monday. In an updated post on X, Rapoport reported that Houston will send a fourth-round draft pick, a seventh-round draft pick and offensive lineman Juice Scruggs to Detroit in exchange for Montgomery.
“The Lions’ David Montgomery wants out, has a reasonable contract (owed $6 million in 2026) and is 28,” wrote Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
“That has value. Word out of Indy is that Detroit would want a decent Day 3 pick (possibly a fifth-rounder) in return.” he added.
Why the Detroit Lions made the move
The main reason for the trade is to give Gibbs a bigger role. In 2025, the younger running back was already getting most of the carries after the workload had been shared more evenly before.
Montgomery is now 28 years old and running backs can decline quickly at that stage of their careers. By making this move, the Lions were able to get value in return before any possible injuries or drop in performance.
Even with fewer opportunities in 2025, Montgomery still ran for eight touchdowns and averaged 4.5 yards per carry. That shows he can still be an effective player when given the chance. He will now continue his career with the Texans instead of the Lions.
Details of the trade
Scruggs who is 26 was picked by Houston with the No. 62 overall selection in the 2023 draft out of Penn State. He started 13 games in 2024. In 2025, he played in 17 games and made one start.
Montgomery was not happy with his smaller role last season. He had the lowest numbers of his career in rushing yards, rushing attempts and total touches while playing as the clear No. 2 running back behind Jahmyr Gibbs.
In the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Gibbs and Montgomery also known as Sonic and Knuckles were seen as one of the best running back duos in the NFL.
