David

Montgomery

Wilson writes that the Texans “envision a solid workload for Marks that includes third-down pass-catching duties and carries along with a new role on kickoff returns.” Texans RB coach and assistant head coach Danny Barrett said Marks’ “role is going to pick up some third downs, special teams,” and Marks adds that OC Nick Caley has him running “all types of routes.” It sounds like Marks will be involved on third down, but perhaps not featured. If Marks can secure the lead third-down role, and potentially the two-minute drill role, he may be able to generate PPR RB2 scam/FLEX stat lines this season.

Caley called plays for the first time in his career last year. His neutral situation pass play rate varied dramatically at different points in the season, going from 55.1 percent before the Week 6 bye to 64.1 percent in Weeks 7-12. He dropped back down to 55.8 percent after that. We expect him to remain in this range in 2026. Caley also believes balance can be achieved via “the usage of different players,” and remarked positively on the versatility achieved by using multi-tight end sets. Heavier personnel packages allow one to “deploy different types of blocking schemes” and attack “different surfaces” while effectively extending the offensive line. New Texans starting RB David Montgomery should benefit from Caley’s renewed commitment to running a heavy, balanced offense.

The “if needed” is a bit of a buzzkill, but it should surprise nobody if Montgomery is a heavy-touch player in Houston’s offense this season after coming over in an offseason trade. Woody Marks is not guaranteed to have a major role if Montgomery can handle third downs as well. Montgomery mostly ceded these roles to Jahmyr Gibbs with the Lions; it is no insult to Marks to note that he is not Gibbs.

It’s a pay raise for Montgomery, who can make $16.5 million over two years. Per KPRC'2 Aaron Wilson, Montgomery’s upgraded contract also includes a $6.5 million signing bonus along with a fully guaranteed $1.5 million base salary for 2026, while his 2027 numbers will include a base salary of $7.5 million with $2 million of that guaranteed. Montgomery was previously owed non-guaranteed money for each of the next two seasons. The soon-to-be 29-year-old running back was acquired from the Lions in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick and figures to be the RB1 of the Texans’ backfield in 2026.

Just days after it was reported that Montgomery wanted out of Detroit — a report he refuted — the veteran running back is now on his way to Houston. The soon-to-be 29-year-old will presumably take over as the Texans’ RB1 this season with Joe Mixon likely on the way out, and Woody Marks an early candidate to handle more of a passing-downs role. Montgomery rushed 343 times for 1,491 yards and 20 touchdowns in his final two seasons in Detroit while catching another 60 passes for 533 scoreless yards. Barring an extension, Montgomery will enter 2026 with two years left on his contract with a chance to earn another deal in 2028. In addition to Scruggs, the Texans also sent a 2026 fourth-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Lions.

Montgomery took to his X account to quote a report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that he wanted out of Detroit. The veteran running back wrote in his post, “Damn, Dmo told you that?” Suggesting reports of his desire to leave the Motor City are untrue. It’s not the first time we’ve seen players refute a report like this, and it won’t be the last. It’s also not uncommon to learn later down the road that these reports were true even if they didn’t come from the player himself. Either way, what we can confirm is that Montgomery had a career low in carries (158) and rushing yards (716) last season with the Lions and is under contract for two more seasons. With the Lions reportedly willing to move him for a Day 3 pick in this year’s draft, it’s possible his time with the team could come to an end whether he wants it to or not.

Montgomery “wants out” per Fowler, and Fowler connects him to the Seahawks if Seattle fails to re-sign Kenneth Walker. There’s an argument to be made that Montgomery would be an easy second place to Walker in the free agent rankings if he were actually a free agent. His workload has been kept low by years of splitting snaps with Jahmyr Gibbs, and he’s still in his late prime entering his age-29 season. The buzz continues to point towards Montgomery being moved.

It sure sounds like the Lions could move on from Montgomery in a trade. Entering his age-29 season, Montgomery could emerge as a solid fantasy RB2 in the right situation this offseason. This Lions enter the offseason roughly $10 million over the cap, releasing Montgomery would free up $3.5 million. It is also possible that Montgomery simply wants a bigger role than he had down the stretch during Jahmyr Gibbs’ takeover. Montgomery had 10 or more carries just once after Week 10. Holmes said: “We’d love to have him ... But obviously a player has to want to be at a certain place as well.”

Montgomery joined the Fantasy Football Happy Hour at Super Bowl week and expressed optimism when discussing new Lions OC Drew Petzing. The 28-year-old running back said Petzing knows exactly what needs to happen next season, possibly alluding to more touches for himself. Montgomery had 185 carries and 38 targets in 2024, but those numbers dipped to 158 carries and 29 targets in 2025. Lions general manager Brad Holmes said the team would discuss Montgomery’s future this offseason at his season-ending press conference and it seems like the former Bears third-round pick is on board with the Lions’ plan for 2026.

Montgomery is under contract through 2027. The Lions can save $11.26 million by cutting him this offseason, while taking on $8.6 million in dead money. Holmes adds that the Lions “love” Montgomery and believe “he deserves to be in a situation where his skill set can be utilized.” Montgomery operated as the team’s No. 2 running back this season, totaling 182 touches—far fewer than the 221 and 235 he logged in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Lions could choose to look for a complementary power back to partner with RB Jahmyr Gibbs in the draft this offseason.