There's a new lead back taking over the Houston Texans backfield in 2026.
According to reports, the Texans are trading for Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery in exchange for several late-round picks. Houston plans on making the Lions' star its new lead rusher pair alongside rookie Woody Marks.
As reported first by NFL Network, the Texans will trade a 2026 fourth-round pick, a 2027 seventh-round pick and offensive lineman Juice Scruggs for Montgomery. The hope would be for Houston to extend the 28-year-old running back when he touches down, similar to how Houston traded for Pro Bowler Joe Mixon in 2024.
Last week at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that Montgomery wanted out of Detroit as he entered the final year of his current contract with the intent of starting elsewhere. The Texans, who plan on releasing Mixon following a missed season due to a lingering foot injury, were expected to be a favorite to at least inquire about the asking price.
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported on Monday that the Texans were the preferred destination for Montgomery, given that Houston was losing at least two running backs this offseason. Nick Chubb and Dare Ogunbowale are set to hit free agency, while Mixon's status of ever playing again still remains a mystery.
In Houston, the Texans are getting perhaps the league's best No. 2 running back with No. 1 potential. During his three seasons with the Lions while splitting carries with All-Pro Jahmyr Gibbs, the former Iowa State standout has averaged over 740 yards per season on 170 carries and scored 10 touchdowns, helping the Lions make the playoffs two of the past three years.
In Houston, expect him to be the lead back, similar to his time with the Chicago Bears from 2019-2022. Montgomery rushed for 716 yards and eight touchdowns last season, though his role in Detroit has steadily diminished because of the emergence of Gibbs' potential.
Over his three seasons with the Lions, Montgomery racked up 2,506 rushing yards, 650 receiving yards and 33 touchdowns. He's also scored at least seven touchdowns in five of his seven NFL seasons.