Houston lands David Montgomery, bolstering C.J. Stroud's offense. But what did the Texans pay to secure their new backfield weapon?
The Houston Texans have added a new playmaker to their roster. The Texans have traded for Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery.
For much of the offseason, we have been monitoring whether or not the team would replace former star running back Joe Mixon with an impact player through trade, free agency or the draft. We got that answer in the form of the Montgomery trade news on Monday.
The move is a big deal for the Texans. They add much needed reliability and production and upgrade at a position that could strengthen their offense. Now starting quarterback C.J. Stroud receives much needed help in the running game to aid the quarterback's path to more consistent success.
It was clear the Texans needed more help on the offensive side after their No. 1 defense carried them to a long winning streak and postseason bid. Yet there is some concern over what the team had to give up by way of trade.
Jonathon M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle discussed what the move cost the Texans.
"There was a lot of confusion about draft compensation from other reports. Here's what I got from a source: Texans receive RB David Montgomery. Lions receive C Juice Scruggs, 4th-round pick, and a 7th-round pick."
Alexander elaborated on what the trade means for Detroit and Houston in light of their most recent moves.
"The Lions probably wanted to trade Montgomery before the new league year began, which sped up the process for the #Texans to decide whether to trade for a running back or take a chance on bidding for one in the FA market.
Ultimately, they decided to make a trade.
I do think trading a 4th round pick for a 28-year-old RB is a steep price in today's market, especially considering the Texans got Joe Mixon for a 7th round pick two years ago, and traded Howard for a 5th round pick earlier in the day.
The Lions were always going to move on."
Trading for a player you knew the other team planned to trade, for a draft pick as high as the fourth round, undoubtedly comes off as undesirable to many Texans fans.
Houston did not utilize its poker face well in haste to make moves. Nevertheless, it appears the team go what it needed at the running back position. The Texans will look to capitalize on the move and push for a title in 2026.