Following another frustrating postseason exit, the Houston Texans have taken an aggressive approach this offseason in hopes of finally breaking through in 2026. One of their most notable roster moves came through a trade with the Detroit Lions, which brought experienced running back David Montgomery to Houston.

For the past few seasons, Montgomery was part of one of the NFL’s most productive backfields alongside Jahmyr Gibbs. The duo complemented each other well in Detroit, but Montgomery is now expected to take on a much larger role as the centerpiece of Houston’s rushing offense. If his former head coach, Dan Campbell, is any indication, the Texans may have landed a major contributor.

Dan Campbell Praises David Montgomery

Montgomery entered the league as a third-round selection by the Chicago Bears in the 2019 NFL Draft and quickly became a key part of Chicago’s offensive game plan. After four seasons with the Bears, he reached free agency and eventually signed with Detroit, where he stepped in as the team’s lead running back.

During his first year with the Lions, Montgomery delivered a strong campaign, rushing for 1,015 yards and scoring 13 touchdowns. His physical running style served as an ideal contrast to the explosive speed of Gibbs. However, as Gibbs developed into a bigger focal point of the offense, Montgomery’s touches gradually declined. As the 2025 season progressed, the veteran back openly expressed frustration about his reduced role.

Given Houston’s struggles on the ground last season—largely due to Joe Mixon missing the entire year—the Texans’ decision to pursue Montgomery was hardly surprising. Even though Detroit ultimately traded him, Campbell made it clear the move was not a reflection of Montgomery’s ability. In fact, he believes the running back will have a meaningful impact in Houston.

“I love David Montgomery. He’s a stud. He’s unbelievable,” Campbell said. “I love David, he’s a freaking pro … He will be missed, but I think the Houston Texans are gonna be very happy with the back they just got. I think he makes them better.”

With both Mixon and Nick Chubb set to become free agents and unlikely to remain with the team, Montgomery is expected to headline Houston’s backfield alongside Woody Marks during the 2026 season. Marks stepped into a larger-than-expected role as a rookie and showed flashes of promise, but he may still need time before fully handling the responsibilities of a lead back.

The pairing of Montgomery and Marks gives Houston reason to believe its rushing attack could look far more effective than it did a year ago. Even after trading him, the Lions have continued to speak highly of Montgomery, which only reinforces the Texans’ confidence in acquiring him earlier this offseason.