HOUSTON — The Houston Texans just sent a clear message to the rest of the AFC South: the “wait and see” approach with C.J. Stroud’s supporting cast is over. In a blockbuster move to stabilize a backfield that bottomed out at 22nd in the league last year, Houston finalized a trade for Detroit Lions standout David Montgomery on Friday. The Texans surrendered offensive lineman Juice Scruggs and two draft picks to secure the man they believe can break their three-year Divisional Round curse.
More Than a Bruiser
Critics labeled Montgomery a “power back” throughout his tenure in Detroit, a tag that clearly grates on the veteran as he enters his eighth season. While he hammered home 33 rushing touchdowns over the last three years, Montgomery is looking to shed the enforcer label. He arrives in Houston coming off a 2025 season where he sat behind Jahmyr Gibbs, resulting in career lows of 158 carries and 716 yards. Despite the dip in volume, Montgomery still flashed game-breaking ability, highlighted by a 72-yard touchdown run that proved he hasn’t lost his second gear.
Houston’s front office clearly values the versatility he brings. Two years ago, Montgomery led the NFL with a 73.7 receiving success rate. Pairing him with Woody Marks creates a dynamic duo designed to take the pressure off a passing game that often became one-dimensional during the 2025 campaign. The trade mirrors the aggressive acquisition of Joe Mixon a few seasons back, suggesting DeMeco Ryans is doubling down on a physical identity.
“As much as them saying I’m a power back — I hear that a lot — but I can do a lot of stuff that power backs don’t do. I’m not going to talk too much about it. I’m more of a show than a tell kind of guy. I’m not going to say what I can or will do, I’m just going to show it.”
— David Montgomery, Houston Texans Running Back
Protecting the Franchise: The Stroud Connection
This move isn’t just about rushing yards; it’s about quarterback protection and mental fortitude. C.J. Stroud faced the harshest stretch of his career this winter after a brutal two-game playoff collapse where the offense sputtered. Montgomery, who watched Jared Goff transform his reputation in Detroit, sees a similar resilience in Stroud. He spoke Friday about Stroud’s “mentally relentless” nature, noting that the young QB’s ability to handle the “worst” is exactly why he wanted to join this roster.
By bringing in a back who excels in pass protection and provides a reliable safety valve, the Texans are building a floor for their offense. If Montgomery can force defenses to respect the box again, the windows for Stroud should fly open. Houston is betting that a healthy, motivated Montgomery in his prime is the key to finally reaching an AFC Championship.
