David Montgomery is on his way to his third NFL team after the Detroit Lions traded him to the Houston Texans. The veteran running back has been productive throughout his career and joins a team that struggled on the ground last season. He is expected to be an upgrade, but the deal sparked mixed reactions around the league.
David Montgomery Trade to Texans Results in Mixed Reactions Around the NFL
Montgomery began his career with the Chicago Bears before joining the Lions. He was a solid contributor on both of his previous teams and will look to do the same for the Texans going forward. NFL Insider Dianna Russini took to X to break the news: “BREAKING: The Houston Texans are trading for Lions running back David Montgomery, sources tell The Athletic.”
BREAKING: The Houston Texans are trading for Lions running back David Montgomery, sources tell The Athletic. pic.twitter.com/S8zNX0ujJj
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 2, 2026
Many around the league praised the Texans for bringing in a proven asset at running back. They were weak at the position last season, so he should be an upgrade for them.
“This is incredible for the Texans,” exclaimed Kurt Benkert.
The Lions reportedly did right by Montgomery, apparently sending him to a preferred location. They were allegedly shopping him around and considered his input when finding a trade partner.
“The Texans were David Montgomery’s preferred destination if he was to be traded, sources say. The Lions maintained communication with Montgomery throughout the process. He lands in Houston, which pulled off two trades today,” reported Mike Garafolo.
Houston announced another trade just a few hours before landing a new running back. They sent Tytus Howard to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for draft capital.
“Nick Caserio essentially flipped Tytus Howard for David Montgomery before lunch,” said Chancellor Johnson.
Houston received a fifth-round pick from the Browns in exchange for Howard. They then sent fourth and seventh-round picks, along with Juice Scruggs, to the Lions in exchange for their new running back.
“This is wild to give up for a RB like Montgomery. He will be 29 years old in June and has 1,477 career carries. He now will play behind the Texans OL,” stated Warren Sharp.
Sharp pointed out that the Texans have ranked among the bottom two teams in run blocking win rate in each of the past two seasons. They have also finished among the bottom 12 offensive lines in PFSN’s Impact Rankings in each of the past five years.
Others have also pointed out the Texans’ rushing struggles, but adding a proven veteran to help carry the workload could help them amid their current offensive line rebuild. Some speculated what this could mean for their offense as a whole.
“One of the things that really impacted C.J. Stroud and the Texans offense was the lack of a run game. They averaged 3.9 YPR. Only the 49ers, Saints, Raiders were below them,” explained James Palmer.
Stroud’s implosion in the NFL Playoffs was largely blamed for the Texans’ disastrous postseason exit, but having one of the worst rushing attacks in the league surely put more pressure on the quarterback. Some have theorized that Caserio is returning to a strategy that has worked for the franchise in the past, targeting a similar running back style in their quest to bounce back.
“Two years ago, Texans GM Nick Caserio traded for Joe Mixon, a power back who started for them and was productive. Last year, it was Nick Chubb, who had a resurgent season. This year, it’s David Montgomery,” added Ian Rapoport.
Houston has finished each of the past three seasons in the same way, by winning exactly one playoff game before being eliminated. This suggests they are close to being true Super Bowl contenders, but making these tweaks could get them over the hump.
