The Houston Texans made one of the offseason’s most unexpected moves by acquiring veteran running back David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions. According to NFL Network insiders, Houston will send a fourth-round pick, a seventh-round selection, and offensive lineman Juice Scruggs to Detroit in exchange for the 28-year-old back. The deal becomes official at the start of the new league year on March 11.
Houston Texans RB Depth Chart
Just a day earlier, Montgomery publicly dismissed speculation that he was seeking a way out of Detroit, pushing back against reports suggesting he wanted a fresh start.
Now comes a bigger question: with Montgomery in the fold, the Texans’ depth chart takes on a new look, so does Montgomery find his place?
Montgomery now joins second-year back Woody Marks and veteran Joe Mixon. Meanwhile, Nick Chubb and Dare Ogunbowale are set to become unrestricted free agents in 2026. But the situation becomes complicated with Mixon’s future, in particular, which remains murky.
The veteran missed the entire 2025 season due to what general manager Nick Caserio previously described in January as a “unique situation,” calling his ordeal a “freak thing,” the comments made while addressing the unusual nature of Mixon’s foot/ankle injury and the lack of clarity surrounding it.
While Houston has shown a consistent preference for physical, downhill runners. Two seasons ago, the team traded for Mixon. Last year, it brought in Chubb, and now, Montgomery joins the mix.
RB1: David Montgomery
At the age of 28, Montgomery enters the picture in Houston with less cumulative wear than many backs his age, largely because he shared carries with Jahmyr Gibbs in Detroit. Across three seasons with the Lions, Montgomery has produced monstrous numbers with 2,506 rushing yards and 33 total touchdowns on 562 attempts, while adding 650 receiving yards across three seasons with the Lions.
His first season in Detroit saw him surpass 1,000 rushing yards, but as Gibbs’ workload increased, Montgomery’s carries dipped. Even so, he remained important and dependable in short-yardage and red-zone situations.
So, where does he fit in the depth chart? The simple answer lies in the blockbuster deal. In Houston, Montgomery could quickly establish himself as RB1. The Texans value tough, between-the-tackles runners who can close out games. With playoff aspirations in mind, the veteran’s experience and durability make him an ideal candidate to anchor the ground attack.
RB2: Joe Mixon
As discussed, Mixon’s situation remains uncertain. Although Mixon has one year left on his contract, the Texans could release him with minimal financial impact. Reports indicate the team would welcome him back if healthy, but the Montgomery trade strongly suggests Houston is preparing for life without him.
With a mystery injury, offseason procedure reports, and speculation about his future, Mixon’s tenure in Houston appears to be nearing its conclusion unless a dramatic turnaround occurs, but if he arrives on the scene, the competition will only strengthen among the ball carriers at Houston.
RB3: Woody Marks
Woody Marks has shown his poise time and again as a rookie, contributing as both a runner and receiver. However, questions about durability arose because he frequently left games for medical evaluation, even though he often returned.
Montgomery’s arrival may not diminish Marks’ long-term value, but it likely reshapes the short-term workload, and considering if Mixon’s situation rings true, then the 25-year-old running back’s role will only elevate. A near-even split could help preserve Marks’ health while maximizing Montgomery’s power running.
For a Texans team aiming to move beyond Divisional Round heartbreak, the addition of a proven veteran strengthens their depth. As the offseason unfolds, Houston’s revamped backfield could become the foundation for a deeper postseason run.
