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EspañolThere'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 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, 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.
Compensation update: The Texans are sending OL Juice Scruggs, a 4th-rounder and a 7th-rounder to Detroit for David Montgomery. https://t.co/EQaSP8sW1e
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 2, 2026
Since arriving in Detroit, Montgomery has been one of the league's top No. 2 runners. 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 campaigns.
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.
Fans and media members were mixed on the move, mostly because of the compensation and early departure of offensive tackle Tytus Howard. Here were some of the best and worst reactions to the trade of the standout runner to H-Town.
Jahmyr Gibbs weighs in on the David Montgomery trade, via IG. pic.twitter.com/kHWTpEZjQf
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 2, 2026
David Montgomery's statistics the last three seasons with Detroit.
— John Crumpler (@JohnCrumplerMD) March 2, 2026
The numbers suggest he's a very similar player to the guy who ran for 1000+ in 2023, he was just hit behind the line of scrimmage far more often this past season.
Chance to compliment Woody nicely #HTownMadepic.twitter.com/urReE02nJi
Rico Dowdle and David Montgomery are similar players at this stage of their careers.
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) March 2, 2026
But one isn’t going to cost a fourth round pick.
There are so many incompetent GMs, especially in the AFC. https://t.co/aMYepplxHK
Love David Montgomery to the Texans
— Nico (@elitetakes_) March 2, 2026
Last season, they shifted their offensive identity to a physical, between the tackles run game and he fits that PERFECTLY. Will block his butt off for CJ & can help in the redzone
Detroit couldn’t refuse that offer. Now get to work up front
I’m a little confused why everyone’s freaking out at what the Texans gave up for David Montgomery.
— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) March 2, 2026
Looks fine to me.
Honest thoughts:
— Nick Schwager (@nickschwager_) March 2, 2026
Love David Montgomery but that price of a fourth + seventh + Scruggs is high for a 29 year old.
Tytus Howard being traded makes no sense to me personally, he is a player who can play almost literally anywhere on the line and be above average.
Let me know your…
David Montgomery is a solid player on a decent contract who is immediately better at something the Texans couldn't do last year, which is run the ball in short yardage.
— Cody Stoots (@Cody_Stoots) March 2, 2026
He's not as good as KW/Etienne and equalish to Dowdle. Likely cheaper by a wide margin.
Allows OL investment
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. https://t.co/PnKCSzJaCM
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 2, 2026
Rushing TD since 2023…
— NFL Researcher (@NFL_Researcher) March 2, 2026
David Montgomery: 33 (6th among RB)
Houston Texans: 34 (T-5th fewest in NFL)
David Montgomery will provide some much needed SWARM to this Texans offense pic.twitter.com/xmMRdVzPGV
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) March 2, 2026
Nic Caserio certainly loves older RBs
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) March 2, 2026
acquires about one of these guys each year:
Mark Ingram (31 yrs old)
Joe Mixon (28 yrs old)
Nick Chubb (29 yrs old)
Cam Akers (25 but off 2 Achilles tears)
David Montgomery (29 yrs old)
Sooo… Nick Caserio basically traded:
— Greg Cover 1 🏈 (@GregTompsett) March 2, 2026
Tytus Howard
Juice Scruggs
4th rd pick
7th rd pick
for
David Montgomery
5th rd pick https://t.co/SqEXo5Kud3pic.twitter.com/niYv4yshVz
.@Michael_Fabiano details why David Montgomery's fantasy football value is on the rise after trade to Texans pic.twitter.com/KwWuRgxfPH
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) March 2, 2026
I love David Montgomery. One of my favorite backs. But what the hell are the #Texans doing? https://t.co/dzacDhlKuW
— Josh Knegendorf (@joshk70) March 2, 2026
Ridiculously underrated in Chicago.
— Sam Block (@theblockspot) March 2, 2026
Ridiculously underrated in Detroit.
Can we respect David Montgomery?!
The Texans just got an absolute DAWG.
Players with 2,500+ rushing yards and 30+ rushing TDs in the last three seasons:
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) March 2, 2026
Derrick Henry
Jahmyr Gibbs
Jonathan Taylor
Kyren Williams
Josh Jacobs
James Cook
David Montgomery https://t.co/3RX8gA1PETpic.twitter.com/OlPiEvfPeg
My take on #Texans landing RB David Montgomery:
— Cole Thompson (@MrColeThompson) March 2, 2026
They were never landing Walker or Etienne, so you instead land the ideal guy who fits Nick Caley's offense.
Was it a bit rich of an asking price? Perhaps, but be honest....are you REALLY going to miss Juice Scruggs?
A running back market reality for #Texans and other #NFL teams is how expensive it's going to be for Kenneth Walker III, Travis Etienne Jr., Rico Dowdle @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 2, 2026
So, David Montgomery money-wise makes a lot of sense, but a lot of draft capital in exchange for vet runner… https://t.co/Zp4nlJXdnc
David Montgomery last season:
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) March 2, 2026
🏈 158 carries
🏈 716 rushing yards
🏈 8 total TD
Woody Marks last season:
🏈 196 carries
🏈 703 rushing yards
🏈 5 total TD
The new RB duo in Houston 😤 pic.twitter.com/0DLQdhLQSb
A fourth-round pick for David Montgomery feels way too pricey. https://t.co/B2AzoM8Wtk
— Cody Stoots (@Cody_Stoots) March 2, 2026
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans fans, media react to trade for new RB in Lions David Montgomery