Lions News: National NFL analysts weigh in on David Montgomery trade

The reactions continue to pour in following the news that the Detroit Lions traded David Montgomery to the Houston Texans on Monday.

The fan-favorite running back was traded for the Texans’ 2026 fourth-round pick and 2027 seventh-round pick, as well as offensive lineman Juice Scruggs.

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Nicknamed Sonic and Knuckles, Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs formed a record-breaking tandem until opportunities for the former began to dry up. Our own Ryan Mathews compiled some Immediate reactions on Mondayeven from heartbroken teammates, but more writers and analysts have continued to weigh in throughout the night.

When you have finished reading Jeremy’s breakdown of trading and qualifications.Here’s what some NFL analysts are saying about the big move.

Kevin Patra of NFL.com:

“Montgomery, a gritty running back, is a reliable plow who can run through arm tackles and consistently drops forward. He’s also capable as an outlet receiver. Montgomery should help right away in the red zone…The combination of Montgomery and (Woody) Marks makes for a nice one-two punch out of the backfield.”

CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan:

“Moving on a player whose role is becoming smaller within their offense makes sense. Montgomery also didn’t have guaranteed money in his contract, so he likely would have sought a renewed contract, which also makes it a smart financial move by the Lions. They avoid the need to shell out money for a running back entering his age-29 season.”

Yahoo Sports’ Frank Schwab:

“Scruggs is a former second-round pick and has 20 starts in three seasons, but he couldn’t make the Texans’ starting lineup last season and was expendable. He will add depth at guard and was essentially free for the Lions, as draft pick compensation was the key to the deal…Montgomery was an effective player in his role and won’t be easy to replace. It seems like a good deal for the Lions, but let’s see how they plan to replace Montgomery.”

Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of USA Today:

“(Brad) Holmes has more resources to pursue gems from Days 2 and 3 of the draft, and Scruggs, a 2023 second-round pick, is a decent depth addition for a franchise forced to rethink its own frontcourt.

Kristopher Knox from Bleacher Report:

“While Jahmyr Gibbs has shown he can handle a high-volume workload, Montgomery remains one of the best short-yardage, change-of-pace running backs in the league. Still, Detroit should be able to find a solid complement for Gibbs in free agency or the draft. The backfield may not be as potent with a new RB2, but with Gibbs leading the rotation, it should still be functional. The Lions are getting solid compensation in return for Montgomery, plus a young lineman in Juice “Scruggs, the 2023 second-round pick, has 20 starts on his resume and should compete for playing time on the interior.”

And about the rest of your notes.

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• Some reporters are posting some of their favorite Montgomery moments.