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

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

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

Nicknamed Sonic and Knuckles, Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs were a record-breaking tandem until opportunities for the former began to dry up. Our own Ryan Mathews compiled some immediate reactions Monday, including from heartbroken teammates, but more writers and analysts have continued to weigh in overnight.

When you’re done reading Jeremy’s breakdown on the trade and grades, here’s what some NFL analysts are saying about the big move.

NFL.com’s Kevin Patra: 

“A gritty runner, Montgomery is a trusty plow who can run through arm tackles and consistently falls forward. He is also capable as an outlet receiver. Montgomery should immediately aid in the red zone. … Pairing Montgomery and (Woody) Marks gives a good one-two punch out of the backfield.”

CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan:

“Moving on from a player whose role is only getting smaller within your offense makes sense. Montgomery also had no guaranteed money left on his contract, so he likely would have looked for a revamped contract, making this a savvy financial move by the Lions, as well. They avoid needing to shell out money to 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 couldn’t crack the starting lineup for the Texans last season and was expendable. He’ll add depth at guard and was practically free for the Lions, given the draft-pick compensation was the key to the deal. … Montgomery was an effective player in his role and he 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.”

USA Today’s Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz:

“(Brad) Holmes has more resources to go hunting for Day 2 and 3 gems in the draft, and Scruggs, a 2023 second-round pick, is a decent depth toss-in for a franchise forced to rethink its own front.

Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox:

“While Jahmyr Gibbs has shown he can handle a high-volume workload, Montgomery is still one of the league’s better change-of-pace and short-yardage backs. Still, Detroit should be able to find a solid complement to 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 remain 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 along the interior.”

And onto the rest of your notes.

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