Knowing that Pro Bowler Joe Mixon likely was never going to play football in a Houston Texans uniform again, general manager Nick Caserio had to act fast.
He wasted little time targeting unknown names in the NFL Draft to pair with then-rookie Woody Marks, electing to send a Day 3 pick to the Detroit Lions for veteran Pro Bowler David Montgomery. At 29, Montgomery is an older back, but given his time in Detroit being limited while paired with All-Pro Jahmyr Gibbs, the tread is still very much on the tires for a lead back to reignite in 2026 with the Texans’ offense.
But where does Montgomery rank among all active backs for the upcoming season? According to Pro Football Focus, Houston only slightly upgraded its running game, listing Montgomery as the No. 26 runner for the upcoming season.
“Montgomery enters his age-29 season coming off of three productive years in Detroit,” PFF wrote. “Though he set new career-lows in carries, rushing yards and missed tackles forced in 2025, Montgomery ranks sixth in the NFL with 33 rushing touchdowns over the past three regular seasons. He’ll continue to play a complementary role in Houston alongside youngster Woody Marks.”
Houston hopes a combination of C.J. Stroud and Montgomery in the backfield can get the franchise over the hump and into the AFC Championship conversation. He’ll be entering his eighth NFL season next month, but unlike most runners who begin to decline, Montgomery’s body has avoided a slew of hits since he split carries with Gibbs in Detroit for the last three seasons, so he’s basically in the body of a 27-year-old.
The Texans believe in Montgomery as a lead back. It’s why they passed on drafting another runner or targeting a name in free agency. After averaging less than 4.0 yards per carry last season, he’ll need to be a difference-maker who can alleviate pressure on long-standing drives.
The Texans return for the start of training camp on July 21.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: PFF ranks David Montgomery No. 26 RB in the NFL ahead of 2026 season
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
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By Cole Thompson, Texans Wire | USA TODAY Network
