David Montgomery Traded to Texans: Lions Say Goodbye to “Knuckles”

If you’re a Detroit Lions fan, you might want to grab some tissues. The famous “Sonic and Knuckles” duo is officially breaking up. In a shocking move on March 2, 2026, the Detroit Lions agreed to trade star running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans.

Why the Trade Happened

For the last two years, Montgomery (known as “Knuckles”) and Jahmyr Gibbs (“Sonic”) were one of the best 1-2 punches in the NFL. But as we moved through the 2025 season, things started to change.

The Lions began leaning much more heavily on the younger, faster Jahmyr Gibbs. While Montgomery still played in all 17 games, his stats hit a career low with 716 rushing yards. Reports started swirling last weekend that Montgomery wanted a fresh start where he could be the “main guy” again.

What the Lions Get Back

Detroit didn’t let him go for nothing. In exchange for Montgomery, the Lions are receiving:

• Juice Scruggs: A solid offensive lineman to help protect Jared Goff.
• A 4th-round draft pick (2026).
• A 7th-round draft pick (2027).

A Fresh Start in Houston

Montgomery is heading to a Houston Texans team that desperately needs help on the ground. With Joe Mixon struggling with injuries all last year, the Texans ranked near the bottom of the league in rushing.

At 28 years old, Montgomery still has plenty of “tread on the tires.” In Houston, he’s expected to be the lead RB, splitting time with rookie Woody Marks. For fantasy football owners, this is huge news—Montgomery could easily see 250+ carries next season.

Montgomery’s Goodbye to Detroit

Shortly after the news broke, David took to social media to thank the city of Detroit. He wrote: “Everything I do next carries a piece of Detroit with it. The work ethic. The heart. Thank you for walking this chapter with me.”

David Montgomery: 2025 Season at a Glance