Houston's Running Back Shuffle: A Controversial Move?
The Texans' recent acquisition of David Montgomery has sparked an intriguing debate among NFL fans and analysts.
The Texans have a penchant for veteran running backs, and the addition of Montgomery, who's approaching his 30th birthday, seems to signal the end of the road for Joe Mixon and Nick Chubb in Houston.
Let's delve into this intriguing situation and explore the implications.
In 2024, the Texans acquired Joe Mixon via trade, and last year, they signed Nick Chubb as a free agent. However, with the official arrival of David Montgomery from the Lions, it's clear that neither Mixon nor Chubb will be returning to Houston in 2026.
Chubb managed to rush for 506 yards in 15 games (starting 9) during his time with the Texans in 2025. Meanwhile, Mixon spent the entire season on the non-football injury list, with his foot injury remaining a significant mystery throughout the year.
Both Chubb and Mixon are now free agents, and with Houston's depth chart already filled at the running back position with Montgomery and Woody Marks, there's simply no room for them to return.
Chubb, at 30, and Mixon, who turns 30 in July, would need an unlikely series of events to rejoin the Texans: neither signing with another team and an injury opening the door for a reunion.
The Texans are set to pay Montgomery $6 million this year, with a potential $9 million on the table for 2027. He'll be the older option for at least a year, possibly two, while Marks, who impressed with 703 rushing yards as a rookie, continues to develop.
The decision to trade for Montgomery so soon after the Scouting Combine suggests the Texans explored their free-agent options and opted for a proven commodity at a relatively lower cost compared to the top available running backs.
However, this move did come at a cost, with the Texans giving up valuable assets, including a fourth-round pick. But this strategy aligns with their approach of having one older and one younger running back, along with a significant annual overhaul of the offensive line.
And this is the part that has many scratching their heads: Is this a wise strategy?
The Texans' approach is certainly unique, and it will be fascinating to see how it plays out on the field.
What are your thoughts? Do you think this move is a smart one, or is it a risky strategy that could backfire? Let us know in the comments!
