Houston Texans Hope David Montgomery Becomes Their Long-Term Running Solution

The Houston Texans have struggled to find consistency at the running back position. Since Lamar Miller’s back-to-back rushing performances from 2016 to 2018, the team has seen a rotation of different leaders.

Players such as Carlos Hyde in 2019 with 1,070 rushing yards and David Johnson in 2020 with 691 rushing yards have been succeeded by Rex Burkhead, Dameon Pierce, Devin Singletary, Joe Mixon, and most recently, Woody Marks in 2025 with 703 rushing yards. Each attempt has failed to establish a long-term solution.

Nick Caserio, the general manager of the Texans, has opted to rely on veteran players and cast-offs. Despite repeated setbacks, he maintains this strategy. The latest product of this approach is David Montgomery, who joined the team in 2026.

RB David Montgomery
Height: 5′ 11”
Weight: 230 lbs
Age: 29
Contract: 2 years, $16.5 million (restructured)

Montgomery’s record suggests he is a stronger performer than most previous Texans’ running backs. Given ample opportunities, he could have exceeded 1,000 rushing yards in each of the prior three seasons. He accomplished this once, even while sharing duties with Jahmyr Gibbs at the Detroit Lions.

In 2025, Montgomery ranked 31st in total carries with 158 but achieved 22nd in yards per attempt at 4.5 and 17th in rushing touchdowns with 8. He demonstrated his proficiency despite fewer opportunities than many others. Analysts believe that without sharing duties, his touchdown ranking could be among the top five over three years.

The question remains whether Montgomery can maintain his performance as the primary back. Will he stay healthy and deliver within the Texans’ challenging offense?

Montgomery joined the team through a trade followed by a contract lasting until 2028. The Texans hope this acquisition resolves their ongoing challenge at running back.