The NFL is less than 10 days away from its new league year. And with that, the league is seeing important dates begin this week, including the deadline for franchise tags and the beginning of free agent negotiations.
However, fans will argue that Monday marked the start of the festivities, as multiple trades involving the Houston Texans took place. Most notably, the deal to send veteran running back David Montgomery from his ‘Sonic and Knuckles’ duo in Detroit down to Houston.
Surprised, But Not Shocked
The NFL Scouting Combine recently concluded, so the idea that teams discussed player availability isn’t out of left field.
But raising an eyebrow at arguably the most successful running back duo in the NFL – and fantasy football – is appropriate.
Additionally, it’s no secret that Houston’s success is heavily reliant on its defense.
Quarterback C.J. Stroud had his worst season as a professional, thanks in part to the Texans’ lack of a run game. Despite two veteran names on the roster in Joe Mixon and Nick Chubb, the backfield was No. 22 in the NFL last season and in the bottom half of the league in rushing scores.
That being said, Mixon did not play a single snap in 2025 and Chubb has an expiring contract and is set to be released.
Aside from Montgomery, the only notable back that Houston is expected to bring back is Woody Marks. The rookie finished as the team’s leading rusher: 703 yards and two touchdowns. Those marks made him the No. 31 running back in the NFL last season.
What Does This Mean for Montgomery’s Fantasy Value
In theory, it should be a positive. While Montgomery has the lead back role on paper, Detroit and Houston have very different team makeups, especially on offense.
Although Detroit’s rollercoaster performance declined in terms of points per game last season compared to recent years, it still finished No. 4 in scoring with 28.3 per game.
Meanwhile, the Texans were held to 20 points or less in nine of their 17 games last season, as well as only four games above 30 points.
Houston’s offense operated – and will continue operating – around wide receiver Nico Collins. But even the team saw him on the sideline due to various injuries, leaving a weak corps of Christian Kirk, Xavier Hutchinson and Jayden Higgins as its top receiving options, outside of tight end Dalton Schultz.
Montgomery also struggled as the lead back in Chicago, the team that drafted him in 2019.
Touted as one of the safest runners in the draft when considering size, vision, toughness and creativity, Montgomery averaged a mere 3.7 yards per carry as a rookie.
Although he topped 1,000 yards in his second season, he failed to get back to even his rookie year rushing total in each of the next two seasons.
His resurgence in Detroit was helped by running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who was drafted the same season Montgomery arrived in Michigan.
The duo had a 219-182 attempt differential that season. But while Montgomery was viewed as the starter, he finished with fewer yards despite more attempts, even though he hit the 1,000-yard mark.
Once Gibbs emerged as the favored back, Montgomery put up back-to-back sub-800 yard rushing seasons, which will go down as his final two as a Lion.
What Does This Mean for Detroit, Jahmyr Gibbs’ Fantasy Value?
Detroit will likely aim to build in the draft or free agency for a backup back. Going into the start of the league year, the Lions go from Montgomery to backups of Sione Vaki and Jacob Saylors. They had three attempts combined during the 2025 season.
For now, Gibbs joins the minority of teams that still feature a workhorse back.
For Detroit as a team, this points to leaning into its passing weapons.
Amon-Ra St. Brown has emerged as a top NFL receiver, while Jameson Williams and Isaac TeSlaa are reliable in the slot, short and long-field and the red zone. Tight end Sam LaPorta is also top-five at the position.
The Lions will likely take a slight hit in big plays as they won’t keep opposing defenses as honest without the presence of Montgomery. However, the value of the pass catchers won’t take a hit as they’ll be needed for volume.
