David Montgomery Reportedly Traded to Texans amid Joe Mixon Rumors, Lions’ Return Revealed

The Houston Texans are expected to part ways with veteran running back Joe Mixon this offseason, and they’ve quickly found his replacement.

The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported on Monday that the Texans are acquiring star running back David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport added that Houston is sending offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, a fourth-round draft pick and a seventh-round pick to Detroit in the deal.

KPRC 2 Houston’s Aaron Wilson reported last week that the Texans are expected to release Mixon this offseason after he missed the entire 2025 campaign with a foot injury. Wilson added that Houston was looking to explore the “high-end free agent running back market,” but acquiring Montgomery is an early solution ahead of the start of the new league year on March 11.

Montgomery joined the Lions on a three-year deal in 2023 and was signed to a two-year contract extension the following season. He’s spent the last three years splitting touches with rising star running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and he finished last season with 716 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 158 carries.

The Texans utilized a two-back system in Mixon’s absence during the 2025 campaign, with rookie Woody Marks leading the team with 703 rushing yards and veteran Nick Chubb adding 506 yards. They only combined for five rushing touchdowns, and Houston scored just nine touchdowns on the ground for the entire year.

Acquiring Montgomery gives the Texans a reliable complementary piece alongside Marks. Houston has made the playoffs in each of the last three seasons but hasn’t advanced past the Divisional Round, so Montgomery’s veteran presence could help the team reach new heights in 2026.