A tremendous runner, Montgomery is a solid plow who can run through arm tackles and consistently drop forward. He is also capable as a slot receiver. Montgomery should immediately help in the red zone.
Since 2023, Montgomery has 33 rushing scores, sixth most among RBs. The Texans, over the same span, have 34 rushing touchdowns, tied for fifth-most, according to NFL Research.
The pair of Montgomery and Marks provide a good one-two punch out of the backfield. The offensive line still needs an upgrade though. In addition to releasing Scruggs, a former second-round pick who started just one game in 2025, the Texans traded versatile starter Tytus Howard to Cleveland on Monday.
Montgomery has two years left on his contract, with a base salary of $5.49 million in 2026 and $7.49 million in 2027, but no guaranteed money remaining. The move saves the Lions approximately $3.5 million on the cap.
The trade breaks up one of the most potent quarterback combinations in the NFL and indicates a massive workload for Gibbs at this point. With former fourth baseman Sione Vaki the primary backup left on the roster, Detroit is now in the market for a cheap pitcher in free agency or the draft to pair with Gibbs. The 23-year-old is also eligible for an extension.
Adding Scruggs, who didn’t live up to his draft status in Houston, gives the Lions another option on an interior O-line that needed to be revamped this offseason. It’s a decent plane for Detroit general manager Brad Holmes, but shouldn’t hinder further upgrades.
The Lions added two more picks to the eight they already had in 2026, but still have just two picks in the top 100.