The Detroit Lions entered the offseason knowing changes were coming. One of the biggest was parting ways with running back David Montgomery, a move that one NFL analyst believes could end up benefiting the Houston Texans far more than Detroit.

According to USA Today's Nick Brinkerhoff, the Texans made one of the league's smartest offseason additions by acquiring Montgomery. His arrival gives Houston the physical running game it lacked during last season's playoff run.

"You can blame the postseason failures on C.J. Stroud's struggles, Joe Mixon's disappearance, Nico Collins' injury and dozens of different things,” Brinkerhoff wrote. "The trade for Montgomery lessens the burden on Stroud's right arm, something that can't be overlooked. Even if he's not ripping off 20-yard runs, those short gains will make all the difference for a team that lacked that element in 2025."

Montgomery spent the past several seasons helping power Detroit's offense, but the Lions chose a different direction, as per the report by USA Today's Nick Brinkerhoff. 

Now they'll have to replace both his production and the physical style that became a key part of Dan Campbell's offense.

Replacing Montgomery may not be as easy as the Lions hope.

Warren Sharp of Sharp Football Analysis isn't convinced that Isiah Pacheco is the answer. He noted the former Chiefs running back struggled after returning from a broken leg last season and questioned if he's ready for a bigger role. 

The Lions still have Jahmyr Gibbs, but he already carried a heavy load last season. Asking him to absorb nearly all of Montgomery's former touches could create another problem over a full season.

There's another reason the trade is drawing attention.

David Montgomery could thrive with the Texans

According to Sports Illustrated's Zachary Gephart, Montgomery has become one of the better buy-low targets in dynasty fantasy football after landing in Houston.

Gephart believes the veteran is walking into a much different situation than the one he left in Detroit.

"David Montgomery (#50 ADP, #22 among RBs) finally has a backfield to himself in Houston. While he’ll soon enter his 30s, that age has only driven down his price," Sports Illustrated's Zachary Gephart wrote on July 18.

Montgomery rushed for 716 yards in his final season with the Lions before joining the Texans on a two-year deal.

"Montgomery should serve as a serviceable RB2 for dynasty leagues this season, and could even break past his potential and enter RB1 territory," Gephart concluded.

Detroit is betting that Gibbs, Pacheco and the rest of its backfield can replace what Montgomery brought to the offense. If Pacheco returns to form after his injury, the transition could go smoothly.

If he doesn't, the decision to move on from Montgomery may become one of the defining storylines of the Lions' season as they continue chasing their first Super Bowl appearance.

Did Detroit make a massive mistake letting David Montgomery walk, or will Jahmyr Gibbs and Isiah Pacheco successfully carry the load? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore