The first glimpse of David Montgomery in a Houston Texans uniform is here, and fans are already buzzing about what the 2027 season could hold.
As voluntary workouts get underway, the Texans' social media team released a short video of the newly acquired running back going through drills. In the clip, Montgomery is seen cutting between pads, driving upfield to the left, and showing off the decisive footwork that has defined his career. It's a small sample size, but it's enough to get a sense of the physical presence he brings to Houston's backfield.
Acquired from the Detroit Lions earlier this offseason in exchange for a fourth-round pick, Montgomery is expected to step in as the primary runner. He replaces former Pro Bowler Joe Mixon, who was released after missing the entire 2026 season with a foot injury. To lock in their new workhorse, the Texans and Montgomery agreed to a restructured two-year, $16.5 million contract that includes a $6.5 million signing bonus.
An eight-year veteran, Montgomery is set to serve as the "power" half of a 1-2 punch alongside rookie Woody Marks. It's a familiar role for the running back, who spent three seasons in Detroit paired with Jahmyr Gibbs. Lions fans affectionately dubbed the duo "Sonic and Knuckles," a nod to their contrasting styles of speed and brute force.
"Houston was definitely the place that I wanted to go," Montgomery said during a virtual press conference in March. "I was in Detroit, a very successful organization, and I practiced against Houston a couple of times and they've always been the hardest team to practice against. I want to come in and show these guys that I could hang with the big dawgs."
Over his three seasons with the Lions, Montgomery racked up 2,506 rushing yards, 650 receiving yards, and 33 touchdowns. He has scored at least seven touchdowns in five of his seven NFL seasons, proving to be one of the league's most consistent and durable backs.
With rookie minicamp set to begin Thursday, Montgomery is already settling into his new home. For Texans fans, the sight of No. 32 grinding through drills is a promising sign that the ground game is in good hands.