David Montgomery Joins Texans, Ready to Prove Himself

Running back believes he can do more than just power running

Mar. 15, 2026 at 3:34pm

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David Montgomery, the former Detroit Lions running back, has been traded to the Houston Texans. Montgomery is eager to prove he can do more than just power running, stating "I can do a lot of stuff that power backs don't do." He is confident he can handle a heavy workload and help develop young quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Why it matters

The Texans are hoping Montgomery can revive their struggling running game and take pressure off Stroud, who faced criticism after a poor playoff performance. Montgomery's versatility and belief in Stroud could be key to the Texans' success.

The details

Montgomery, a 7-year NFL veteran, saw his production decline in 2025 with the Lions, logging career lows in carries and rushing yards while playing behind Jahmyr Gibbs. However, Montgomery believes he is still in his prime and can handle a heavy workload. He is known for his power running style but also possesses deceptive speed and strong receiving skills out of the backfield. The Texans traded two draft picks and offensive lineman Juice Scruggs to acquire Montgomery, hoping he can replicate the impact Joe Mixon had after being acquired a few years ago.

  • Montgomery was relegated to a backup role with the Detroit Lions in 2025.
  • Montgomery was recently traded from the Lions to the Houston Texans.

The players

David Montgomery

A 7-year NFL veteran running back who was recently traded from the Detroit Lions to the Houston Texans.

C.J. Stroud

The Texans' young quarterback who faced criticism after a poor playoff performance, but Montgomery believes he can help Stroud rewrite his narrative.

Jahmyr Gibbs

The running back who surpassed Montgomery as the lead back in Detroit in 2025.

Joe Mixon

The running back the Texans acquired a few years ago, who had a big impact on the team.

Juice Scruggs

The offensive lineman the Texans traded to the Lions as part of the deal to acquire Montgomery.

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What they’re saying

“As much as them saying I'm a power back -- I hear that a lot -- but I can do a lot of stuff that power backs don't do. I'm not going to talk too much about it. I'm more of a show than a tell kind of guy.”

— David Montgomery, Running Back

“Seeing him have his highs and his lows and him still being able to come back as somebody who can be mentally relentless and still go to work every day, seeing it from afar, it's a thing to see. It's always good to see how people can handle the bad things, but it's also super important to see how well people can handle the good things that happen as well.”

— David Montgomery, Running Back

What’s next

The Texans will look to Montgomery to help revive their running game and support young quarterback C.J. Stroud in the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Montgomery's trade to the Texans represents an opportunity for him to prove he is more than just a power back and can be a versatile contributor to the team's offense. His belief in Stroud and desire to handle a heavy workload could be key to the Texans' success in the 2026 season.