At the outset of last offseason, Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes made it clear that running back David Montgomery could be gone. It would come down to Montgomery's desire to be elsewhere, specifically on a team that could give him a bigger role, and he was indeed sent to the Houston Texans.
At first glance, interior offensive lineman Juice Scruggs and two Day 3 draft picks might've felt like an underwhelming return for a player who had been a key cog in the Lions' offense before his role was reduced late last season.
On the other hand, a depth offensive lineman and two draft picks could've also been seen as a nice return for a running back who is approaching the typical age cliff for the position.
After Week 1, when he had three total touchdowns in his Texans debut, the move to trade Montgomery looked a little rough for the Lions. But in the four games since, he has averaged just 2.4 yards per carry, while losing work to Woody Marks. Now, he's set to miss some time with a groin injury.
Lions have already won the David Montgomery trade
Meanwhile, Scruggs has become a critical piece of a Lions' offensive line that has gotten back to its previous form after a down 2025 season as a unit. An early-August wrist injury for center Cade Mays put Scruggs into a starting role, and entering Week 6, he is Pro Football Focus' top-graded center with the top run-blocking grade at the position (83.8).
Mays is set to make his season debut when the Lions come off their bye in Week 7 against the Green Bay Packers. Upsetting the continuity of the offensive line could then become a conversation, but if he's healthy, Mays should start without question.
And with Christian Mahogany doing fine at left guard so far, Scruggs would shift to becoming a valuable backup at all three interior offensive line spots. And let's put it to bed: barring an offer that shouldn't be turned down, forget the idea of Scruggs as a potential trade chip because Mays is ready to play.
Five unexpected, and truly unexpectedly top-notch, starts from Scruggs at center in place of Mays have already provided great value to the Lions. He could literally not see another snap as a starter from here on out, and that would stay true.
If something happens to Mays (again), Mahogany, or right guard Tate Ratledge over the rest of the season, then Scruggs' value would have a chance to be proven all over again. When the Texans have Montgomery available to them, let alone whether he'll be effective when he's able to play, is a question right now.
It's usually better to let a good bit of time pass before declaring who won or lost a trade. But in this case, with what has already happened, we can comfortably say the Lions have won the Montgomery trade.
Add us as a preferred source on Google