Overview
- The Texans completed the trade and signed Montgomery Tuesday, acquiring him from Detroit for fourth- and seventh-round picks plus guard Juice Scruggs and giving Montgomery a $16.5 million contract.
- Coaches have publicly called Montgomery a true three-down back who can run between the tackles and contribute in the passing game, with running backs coach Danny Barrett and offensive coordinator Nick Caley praising his toughness and technique.
- Montgomery will be the clear lead option while pairing with second-year Woody Marks, who is expected to shift into a change-of-pace and third-down role after trimming weight to boost his pass-catching role.
- Questions remain about Montgomery's ability to handle a full lead workload after a reduced snap share in Detroit and a 2025 season of 716 yards on 158 carries, and he has said he dropped about 12 pounds this offseason to regain explosiveness.
- Houston ranked near the bottom in rushing efficiency in 2025, so the immediate measures to watch are Montgomery's snaps and durability in training camp and whether the backfield can produce better short-yardage and goal-line results early in the season.