Detroit Lions Amon-Ra St. Brown ‘Sick’ Over David Montgomery Trade To Houston
The business of professional football often forces teams to part ways with beloved locker room figures. The Detroit Lions recently made one of these difficult decisions by trading veteran running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans. While the move addresses roster management and future draft capital, it left a noticeable void among the players left behind. Star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown recently opened up about the trade, expressing a deep sense of loss alongside incredibly high praise for his former teammate.
Detroit Lions Amon-Ra St. Brown Doesn’t Hold Back Feelings
Speaking on his podcast, St. Brown did not hold back his feelings about the recent roster shakeup. He described himself as feeling “sick” over the departure of a player he deeply respected both on and off the field. He highlighted the strong bond they built over their time together, noting that Montgomery was one of his favorite teammates regardless of the situation.
St. Brown went on to make a bold claim about Montgomery’s talent level, stating simply that the veteran is a starting running back on nearly any other roster in the league. He emphasized that having two elite running backs creates a difficult dynamic, as only one can take the handoff on any given play. Despite wanting more playing time, Montgomery maintained a team-first attitude. He never made the situation about himself, a leadership trait St. Brown heavily praised.
Understanding the Trade Context
The decision to trade Montgomery stemmed from the rapid emergence of young running back Jahmyr Gibbs. As Gibbs took on a larger share of the offensive workload, Montgomery naturally saw his opportunities decrease. The veteran back understandably wanted a chance to carry the load, and the Lions front office worked to find a mutually beneficial solution.
Detroit sent Montgomery to Houston in exchange for offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, a 2026 fourth-round draft pick, and a future seventh-round selection. This transaction allows the Lions to bolster their offensive line depth and accumulate valuable draft capital while giving Montgomery the starting opportunity he desires.
A Fresh Start in Houston
While the departure hurts the Detroit locker room, St. Brown expressed genuine happiness for Montgomery’s new opportunity. The Houston Texans offer an ideal landing spot for the tough, bruising runner. Houston has secured playoff victories in each of the past three seasons and boasts a talented roster ready to compete for a championship.
St. Brown pointed out that the Texans feature a strong defense, dynamic receivers, and excellent quarterback play. In Houston, Montgomery will step right into the starting role, likely pairing with second-year back Woody Marks to form a potent backfield. St. Brown expects his former teammate to thrive in his new environment, predicting that he will make a massive impact as the primary ball carrier for a contending team.
Moving Forward for Both Franchises
Ultimately, this trade represents a classic, mutually beneficial scenario. The Lions clear the path for Jahmyr Gibbs to take full control of the backfield touches while securing solid building blocks for the future. Meanwhile, David Montgomery gets the featured role he earned through his reliable, hard-nosed play over the past few seasons.
Even though players like Amon-Ra St. Brown will miss his quiet leadership and physical running style in the huddle, the move sets everyone up for success. The Detroit Lions continue to build their dynamic offense, and David Montgomery gets a fresh chance to prove he remains a top-tier running back in this league.
