David Montgomery Starts Fresh With the Houston Texans

Montgomery Makes the Move From Detroit to Houston

David Montgomery joined the Houston Texans in March 2026 after being traded by the Detroit Lions. The Texans acquired the running back in exchange for offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, a 2026 fourth-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick.

After the trade was completed, Montgomery agreed to a new two-year contract with the Texans worth $16.5 million, including a $6.5 million signing bonus. The deal made Montgomery a key part of the team's plans on offense for the 2026 season.

Montgomery spent three seasons with Detroit from 2023 through 2025, rushing for 2,506 yards and 33 touchdowns. Before joining the Lions, he played for the Chicago Bears after being selected in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

The Texans Want Montgomery to Lead the Ground Game

Montgomery arrived at a time when the Texans were looking to add more strength to their rushing attack, especially after the team finished the 2025 season 22nd in the NFL in rushing yards per game, with an average of 108 rushing yards per game.

His arrival also followed the departure of running back Joe Mixon, who was released by the team in March 2026. As a result, the Texans view Montgomery as their primary running back, with Woody Marks expected to have a complementary role, particularly in the passing game.

Head coach DeMeco Ryans has made it clear that he sees Montgomery as more than a player who simply splits the workload. He views him as a lead back and a leader who can bring energy and physicality to the team.

Montgomery Wants to Show He Is a Complete Offensive Player

One of the key areas Montgomery is focusing on in his first season with the Texans is changing the perception of his game. Rather than being viewed only as a powerful runner who relies on physicality, he wants to show that he can contribute in more ways on offense.

Montgomery said offensive coordinator Nick Caley told him he would have an opportunity to showcase his versatility, which has him excited for his new role with the team.

Montgomery also said: "I can do everything. I try not to categorize myself."

The numbers show that Montgomery has averaged 4.6 yards per carry on outside-zone runs during his career, compared with 4.1 yards per carry on inside-zone runs. Through the end of the 2025 season, he had also recorded 1,890 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns during his career.

An 80-Yard Touchdown Turns Heads at Texans Camp

During Texans practices in August, Montgomery produced one of the biggest plays of the team's training camp when C.J. Stroud connected with him on a pass that turned into an 80-yard touchdown along the sideline.

The play drew attention because it offered an example of the type of impact Montgomery can make beyond traditional rushing plays. Media reports described it as one of the biggest plays, and possibly the biggest play, of the Texans' 2026 training camp.

After the play, DeMeco Ryans said it was good to see Montgomery make a big play for the team, adding that plays like that can spark the offense and lift the team.

Nick Caley also praised Montgomery's ability, describing him as a strong runner who is also a very good player in the passing game, while highlighting his ability to handle his responsibilities in pass protection.

His Connection With C.J. Stroud Could Be Important

C.J. Stroud's presence in the Texans' offense is an important part of the team's plans for Montgomery. The goal of adding a running back who can make an impact in multiple areas is to give the offense another option and reduce the pressure on the quarterback throughout the season.

Stroud's 80-yard touchdown pass to Montgomery during practice provided an early example of how the two could benefit from their connection on the field.

Earlier, Montgomery spoke positively about Stroud after joining Houston, describing him as a player with a strong personality and impressive abilities.

DeMeco Ryans Has High Confidence in Montgomery

Since the beginning of training camp, Ryans has spoken positively about Montgomery's approach to his work. He said what he likes most about Montgomery is his approach, describing him as a true professional who shows up every day prepared and ready to work.

Ryans also pointed to Montgomery's productivity and described him as a selfless player, qualities he considers important for the role the team expects him to fill.

At the same time, the team has not publicly provided a specific percentage for how the workload will be divided between Montgomery and Woody Marks. Although Montgomery is viewed as the primary running back, the details of how the carries and passing-game opportunities will be distributed have not been publicly finalized.

What Do the Texans Expect From Montgomery in 2026?

Expectations for Montgomery's 2026 production vary depending on the source and projection being used. The betting line mentioned in the provided data is 774.5 rushing yards, while some analytical projections indicate he could reach more than 900 yards if he stays healthy.

His actual production, however, will only be determined once the season begins, so these figures should not be considered guarantees of his final production.

For the Texans, the basic idea is clear: add a primary running back who can provide power in the ground game while also contributing in the passing game, giving Stroud another dependable offensive weapon.