
RB · Houston Texans
1 transaction this offseason
Height
5'11"
Weight
230 lbs
Age
28
College
Iowa State
Draft
2019, Rd 3, #73
Experience
7 yrs
RB Rank
#13 / 186
Grade this player:
| Year | Team | GP | Yards | TD | YPC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | ![]() | 105 | 6,115 | 59 | 4.1 |
| 2025 | ![]() | 17 | 716 | 8 | 4.5 |
| 2024 | ![]() | 14 | 775 | 12 | 4.2 |
| 2023 | ![]() | 14 |
Length
2 years
Total Value
$16.5M
Guaranteed
$10.0M
AAV
$8.3M/yr
The Texans landed a legitimate steal in David Montgomery at $8.3M AAV, securing a proven workhorse running back at a price that reflects smart market timing rather than his actual production value. Montgomery profiles as a solid starter who brings exactly what Houston's young offense needed — consistent between-the-tackles rushing, reliable pass protection, and veteran leadership in a backfield that lacked both experience and physicality. At 27, he's entering what should be his prime seasons, and the two-year structure with $10M guaranteed gives the Texans flexibility while providing Montgomery security without the long-term commitment that typically haunts running back deals. This contract represents exceptional value in a market where comparable backs like Josh Jacobs and Saquon Barkley commanded significantly higher AAVs, suggesting Houston's front office capitalized on a depressed free agent market for the position. Montgomery's B CVI reflects not just his individual merit as a consistently productive runner, but the shrewd negotiation that landed a franchise-caliber contributor at what amounts to mid-tier starter money.
David Montgomery grades as a solid starter among NFL running backs — an above-average player at the position. His strongest area is rushing touchdowns per game at 0.47 (above the NFL average of 0.35), ranking as above average for the position. Rushing yards per game, at 42.1 compared to an NFL average of 55.0, is where he falls short relative to the position. His production dropped from a B in 2024 to a C- in 2025. With 105 career games, there is a large sample size backing this grade.
David Montgomery's acquisition by the Texans has generated solid positive buzz around the league, earning a B+ sentiment grade from media and fans alike. Multiple reports frame Houston's trade as a shrewd move to land a "proven workhorse back at a reasonable cost," with analysts praising the team for addressing a clear need without overpaying in draft capital. Montgomery's own comments about being motivated and showcasing versatility beyond his power-back reputation have resonated well with the Houston fanbase, who view him as the perfect complement to C.J. Stroud's developing passing attack. The consensus appears to be that Montgomery represents a quality, reliable starter who can immediately stabilize the Texans' backfield for the next season or two, assuming he stays healthy. While not viewed as an elite acquisition, the move is being lauded as exactly the type of sensible, value-driven addition that contending teams should make.
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| 1,015 |
| 13 |
| 4.6 |
| 2022 | ![]() | 16 | 801 | 5 | 4.0 |
| 2021 | ![]() | 13 | 849 | 7 | 3.8 |
| 2020 | ![]() | 15 | 1,070 | 8 | 4.3 |
| 2019 | ![]() | 16 | 889 | 6 | 3.7 |
Updated Mar 19, 2026
Recent seasons are weighted more heavily in the overall performance grade.
C-
2025
(50% weight)
B
2024
(30% weight)
A-
2023
(20% weight)