David Montgomery: Everything you need to know

Montgomery and Texans agreed to terms on a two-year, $16.5 million contract Saturday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports. Per Wilson, Montgomery's new deal comes with a $6.5 million signing bonus, $1.5 million guaranteed in 2026 and $2.5 million guaranteed in 2027. The new contract comes nearly two weeks after the Texans acquired Montgomery from the Lions in exchange for Juice Scruggs, a fourth-round pick and a seventh-round pick. With Joe Mixon (foot) being released by the Texans on March 6 and Nick Chubb entering free agency, Montgomery and Woody Marks are slated to serve as Houston's top backfield options for the 2026 season.

The Texans agreed to terms Monday on a trade with the Lions to acquire Montgomery, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Montgomery, who will turn 29 years old in June, has two years remaining on his current deal and becomes the leader of a Houston backfield that could see Joe Mixon (foot/ankle) be cut this offseason and is slated to lose Nick Chubb to free agency, leaving 2025 fourth-round pick Woody Marks as its most notable incumbent. While Montgomery saw his production decline in 2025, finishing with 716 rushing yards and eight touchdowns across 17 regular-season appearances, he rushed for 775 yards and 12 touchdowns in just 14 regular-season appearances the year prior and has proven an ability to handle a workhorse role, if necessary. The Texans could certainly make further additions to the backfield in free agency and/or April's draft, but this trade represents a significant boost to Montgomery's fantasy stock for the 2026 campaign. Per Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Texans will trade Juice Scruggs, a fourth-round pick and a seventh-round pick to Detroit in exchange for Montgomery.

Montgomery rushed eight times for 42 yards and caught his only target for 13 yards in Sunday's 19-16 win over the Bears. After totaling 1,116 yards and 12 touchdowns on 221 touches across 14 regular-season games (all starts) last season, Montgomery took more of a back seat to Jahmyr Gibbs in 2025. Montgomery didn't start any of the first 16 contests this season and handled five fewer touches per game, finishing with 716 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 158 carries to go along with a 24-192-0 receiving line on 29 targets. Montgomery will turn 29 years old in June and has two years remaining on his contract. His roster spot is likely safe for 2026, but the 9-8 Lions will be coming off a disappointing season and are likely to shake up the roster.