The Houston Texans' recent moves have sent shockwaves through the NFL, leaving fans and experts alike questioning the future of some beloved running backs. The team's apparent preference for veteran players has now seemingly shut the door on two well-known names.
The Texans have acquired David Montgomery, a seasoned running back from the Detroit Lions, in a trade that will see him officially join the team next Wednesday. This move, however, comes at a cost. And here's where it gets controversial: it directly impacts the future of two established running backs, Joe Mixon and Nick Chubb.
Mixon, who was traded to the Texans in 2024, spent the entire last season on the non-football injury list due to a mysterious foot injury. Chubb, on the other hand, joined Houston as a free agent last year and managed 506 rushing yards in 15 games. Now, with Montgomery's arrival, both Mixon and Chubb are expected to part ways with the Texans in 2026.
Chubb, already 30 years old, and Mixon, who will turn 30 in July, are unlikely to return to Houston unless they remain unsigned and an injury creates an opportunity. The Texans seem to favor a strategy of pairing an older running back with a younger one, which is intriguing given the physical demands of the position.
Montgomery, who will be paid $6 million this year and $9 million in 2027, will likely be the veteran presence in the backfield, with Woody Marks, a promising rookie, as his counterpart. This dynamic duo will likely leave little room for Chubb or Mixon, especially considering the third-string running back's typical role on special teams, a task rarely assigned to older players.
The Texans' decision to trade for Montgomery, just after the Scouting Combine, indicates a calculated move. They may have assessed the free-agent market and found Montgomery to be a more reliable and cost-effective option compared to other available running backs. However, this decision came at a price, as they gave up multiple assets, including a fourth-round pick, for a player with seven years of experience.
Is this a bold strategy or a risky gamble? The Texans' approach certainly raises eyebrows. Will the team's unique running back philosophy pay off, or will it leave them scrambling for options in the future? The NFL world is watching, and opinions are sure to be divided.
