There was no way around it, and the Detroit Lions did not avoid the issue. David Montgomery was not happy with his role in offense last season, and if he wanted to be traded every effort would be made to fulfill that request.
Montgomery is on his way to the Houston Texans, in a trade that should work out nicely for all sides. The Texans have a young running back in their midst as well, but Woody Marks is not on anywhere near the same level as Jahmyr Gibbs. So Montgomery should have the role he wants, with little resistance.
In fantasy football terms (0.5-point PPR), Montgomery went from RB13 to RB18 to RB27 over his three seasons as a Lion. The easily identifiable difference was his downward trend in carries, in line with Gibbs' rise, since his touchdown total remained solid last season.
A return to 185-200 carries could be all it takes to foster a nice rebound for Montgomery next season.
Early fantasy projection may give Lions seller's remorse on David Montgomery
ESPN's fantasy football analysts are taking a look at the most notable offseason moves from that perspective. The Montgomery trade is of course among them, with the impact on Gibbs' touch volume and how Montgomery fits into Houston's backfield mix.
"The Texans might not be done adding to their backfield, searching for a third-down option", analyst Eric Karabell wrote. "Marks delivered six double-digit PPR efforts (though he did not rush for 75 yards in any game) during his rookie season despite little pass-catching relevance, so adding Montgomery to the crew is bad news for him. Then again, Marks had his chance; he scored two rushing touchdowns all season. Montgomery has scored multiple rushing touchdowns nine times."
"This trade aids Montgomery's stock, though. Solidly built at 5-foot-11 and 230 pounds, expect the Texans to utilize the seven-year veteran on early downs and near the goal line. Do not expect double-digit touchdowns, because the Texans are certainly not the Lions' equal in terms of offensive talent, scheme, creativity or coaching. However, before this move, we could not make a case for Montgomery, the No. 27 PPR RB scorer last season, as even a safe RB3 for the 2026 draft. Now we can dream about RB2 production."
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Analyst Mike Clay then offered a 2026 stat projection for Montgomery.
"Clay's projection:199 carries, 863 yards, six touchdowns rushing, 31 receptions, 241 yards and one touchdown receiving"
230 touches and 1,100 yards from scrimmage would be back to 2023 and 2024 levels for Montgomery. Add in the seven total touchdowns, which would be a downturn even from last season, and that production would've made him the RB25 in 0.5-point PPR last season.
The situation with Montgomery was largely taken out of the Lions' hands by his desire to be elsewhere, and time will tell what Isiah Pacheco does as the new No. 2 back. But if "Knuckles" gets back to full-fledged form in a Texans' uniform next season, there may naturally be some seller's remorse in Allen Park.