David Montgomery has been a reliable running back in the league for years now. Montgomery entered the league as a third-round pick of the Chicago Bears and spent the four seasons with the team.
Ahead of the 2023 season, Montgomery joined the Detroit Lions and formed one of the league’s best running back tandems with Jahmyr Gibbs. However, on Monday, the veteran was traded to the Houston Texans. Now, let’s find out more about the veteran’s contract and financial details.
David Montgomery’s Contract Details and Salary
Montgomery entered the league as a modestly paid mid-round draft pick. However, after four productive seasons in Chicago, Montgomery cashed in during his first trip in free agency.
Montgomery signed a three-year, $18 million deal with the Lions in the spring of 2023. The veteran impressed immediately with his new team and, as a result, received an extension in 2024 with two years still remaining on his deal.
The extension was for two years and $18.25 million, with $10.5 million in new guaranteed money. The deal was supposed to keep Montgomery in Detroit through the 2027 season, but Monday’s trade means that he will play the next two seasons in Houston instead.
The running back will carry a cap hit of $6 million in 2026 and a cap hit of $9 million in 2027 before hitting free agency again in 2028.
Montgomery is incredibly affordable for the amount of production he provides. According to Over the Cap, there are 21 running backs with more guaranteed money than Montgomery.
What is David Montgomery’s Net Worth?
While there is not much information about Montgomery’s exact net worth, it’s safe to assume the running back is living okay.
According to Spotrac, the running back has earned over $27 million in his NFL career so far. If Montgomery stays on the Texans, he’ll bring home $6 million in 2026 and $9 million in 2027.
Of that $27 million in career earnings, about $6 million was paid by the Bears, and about $21 million was paid by the Lions. Now, the Texans will be on the hook for the final $15 million of his deal.
David Montgomery Joining Third NFL Team in 2026
Monday’s trade means Montgomery will suit for his third different NFL team. The running back has rushed for at least 700 yards in each of his seven NFL seasons and has never played in fewer than 13 games. According to PFSN’s RB Impact Metric, he finished last season as the 31st-ranked running back in the league with an impact score of 60.6.
In Houston, Montgomery should get plenty of touches. Veteran Nick Chubb is headed for free agency, while Joe Mixon missed the 2025 season and is undergoing another surgery this offseason. Montgomery and Woody Marks will likely battle for the lead back spot.
In 2025, Montgomery rushed for 716 yards and eight touchdowns while splitting time with Jahmyr Gibbs. The Lions saved money by trading Montgomery and now have Gibbs as the lead back.
