Reflecting on the David Montgomery trade
By: Jake Rajala
The former Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions RB David Montgomery was one of the best backup running backs in the league last season. Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs were like thunder and lightning. David unleashed eight rushing touchdowns, 716 rushing yards, and averaged 4.5 YPC. David still has a few quality seasons left in him, as he’s 28 years old.
With that said, it’s been widely reported that Montgomery was traded to the Houston Texans. Nick Chubb is a free agent and unlikely to return. Joe Mixon’s health is up in the air after having a “freak medical condition”.
So, the ultimate question is: What are the grades for the trade?
I would give the Texans a B+. They needed to fix their RB spot. David can be a 1k yard RB. They no longer need to draft a RB early in my opinion. I’d still like to see them bring a “modest” RB from free agency. The former starting RB was none other than Woody Marks. He wasn’t exactly a threat. The Texans were 22nd in rushing YPG last season, so it was pivotal the Texans improved their RB spot. It’s time for the Texans to reel in a new, superb WR.
As for the Lions, I’d give them a C+. The Lions missed the playoffs last season. They could use all the firepower they could get. David and Jahmyr were arguably the best RB tandem, as well. It reminded me of Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara. The Lions could spend their fourth round pick from the trade on a new RB The backup Lions RB is Sione Vaki. Let it be known that he only had one carry for four yards last season. I’d like to see the Lions bring in a RB from the third or fourth round.
There haven’t been many trades this offseason thus far. It’s a thrill to see a quality skill player get traded ahead of free agency. I hope there will be more teams that are aggressive to land a game changer.
The Lions need to regroup and figure out their identity. As for the Texans, they are now one or two pieces away from being a Super Bowl contender. They just need their young QB, CJ Stroud, to take care of the football.
David may not be Adrian Foster, but he can be a downhill RB that can take down a defense by a thousand cuts. He can excel in the red zone. He unleashed 13 rushing touchdowns in 2023 and 12 rushing touchdowns in 2024.
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