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Report: Lions trading David Montgomery to Texans — and more

Report: Lions trading David Montgomery to Texans

Dec 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) looks on before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Sonic and Knuckles will not play together in 2026.

The Detroit Lions are reportedly trading running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans, as first reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. In return, the Lions will get:

  • Texans’ 4th-round pick
  • OL Juice Scruggs
  • Texans 7th-round pick

There was clearly some tension between Montgomery and the Lions after the 2025 season, in which Montgomery saw his usage decline with the rise of Jahmyr Gibbs. Just last week, Lions general manager Brad Holmes suggested that there were still 0ngoing talks between the Lions and Montgomery.

“Obviously, look, we love David. He’s a great player. We would love to have him. Kind of want to put last year in the rearview and just move forward. But a player has to want to be at a certain place as well, so those conversations are still fluid and we’re just kind of seeing how it goes,” Holmes said last week.

With the move, the Lions will clear up just north of $3.5 million in cap space, but now they have a significant need at the second running back position.

USC WR Makai Lemon reveals top 3 NFL QBs he wants to play with

USC wide receiver Makai Lemon ranked former teammate Caleb Williams as his top choice, highlighting their prior connection at the college level. He also listed Jayden Daniels and Aaron Rodgers as his preferred quarterbacks. Furthermore, Lemon named Matthew Stafford as the quarterback who would likely yield the most productive rookie season, while predicting a future with Lamar Jackson.

Rams, not 49ers, are among 7 teams listed in the Maxx Crosby sweepstakes

HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 21: Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders reacts on the sideline in the second half against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 21, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer said in his Monday morning column, “I’d lean toward a Maxx Crosby trade happening, and maybe this week.”

As far as compensation, Breer said it’s unlikely the Las Vegas Raiders receive the haul they got for Khalil Mack eight years ago, what the Dallas Cowboys got for Micah Parsons last year, or even what the Miami Dolphins received for Laremy Tunsil back in 2019. Each of those deals included multiple first-round picks.

It’s also worth noting the age difference between those prospects at the time. Unlike them, Crosby is long removed from his rookie contract. The good news is that Crosby wants to win, which should make the San Francisco 49ers a potential suitor. Breer named seven teams. Unfortunately for Niners fans, the one he listed in the NFC West was not in the Bay Area:

We should know soon enough which path the Raiders are taking, with teams like Dallas, Chicago, Baltimore, Buffalo, New England, Philadelphia and the Rams keeping tabs on his availability.

The 49ers not being listed doesn’t necessarily take them out of the Crosby sweepstakes entirely, but Breer’s omission suggests they aren’t frontrunners in the trade that feels inevitable in the coming weeks. Perhaps the Niners value their first-round pick on a potential wide receiver in this upcoming class or at another position that is cost-controlled for the next four to five years, as opposed to Crosby.

If Crosby is traded for a deal that ends up looking affordable, it will be tough to stomach for 49ers fans—especially if Crosby ends up in the division.

In brief

Browns snag Tytus Howard from Texans in $63 million deal The Texans and Browns have agreed to terms on a trade to send starting RT Tytus Howard to Cleveland in exchange for a fifth-round pick.

Lions reportedly trade veteran RB David Montgomery to Texans The Texans have found the next key to their backfield.

Lions agree to trade David Montgomery to Texans Montgomery is headed to the AFC South after seeing his role with Detroit reduced in 2025.

Tottenham ban three fans over Nazi salutes during Champions League tie Uefa sanctioned the London club for the behaviour, imposing a €30,000 (£26,212) fine

Chad Baker-Mazara controversy, explained: Why did USC abruptly dismiss leading scorer weeks before March Madness? The Trojans' leading scorer is no longer with the team as the postseason approaches.