Houston's Running Back Shuffle: A Controversial Move?
The Texans' recent acquisition of David Montgomery has sparked an intriguing debate among NFL fans.
Let's dive into this story, which has left many wondering about the future of Joe Mixon and Nick Chubb in Houston.
The Texans have a unique preference for veteran running backs, and the addition of Montgomery, who's approaching 30, seems to signal the end of their current roster of seasoned tailbacks.
Houston acquired Mixon via trade in 2024 and signed Chubb as a free agent last year. With the official arrival of Montgomery from the Lions, it's clear that neither Mixon nor Chubb will be returning to the Texans in 2026.
Chubb managed to rush for 506 yards in 15 games (starting in 9) for the Texans in 2025, while Mixon spent the entire season on the non-football injury list. The nature and severity of his foot injury remained a significant mystery throughout the year.
Both Chubb and Mixon are now free agents, and it's highly unlikely that they'll be back with the Texans. With Montgomery and Woody Marks leading the charge at running back, there's simply no space for them on the depth chart. The third-string running back typically plays special teams, a role that's rarely taken on by older players.
Chubb is already 30, and Mixon will turn 30 in July. Their only chance of returning to Houston involves neither signing with another team nor an injury opening the door for a reunion.
The Texans will pay Montgomery $6 million this year, and he's set to earn $9 million in 2027. He'll be the older option for at least one year, possibly two, while Marks, who rushed for 703 yards as a rookie, continues to develop.
The decision to trade for Montgomery on the first business day after the Scouting Combine suggests that the Texans explored their options in the free-agent running back market and opted for a reliable choice at a relatively lower cost compared to the top available running backs.
However, this move came at a cost, as the Texans had to part with multiple assets, including a fourth-round pick. But this strategy aligns with their approach of having one older and one younger running back, along with an annual overhaul of the offensive line, which is an intriguing and somewhat controversial tactic.
