Trade details and immediate reflections
Montgomery joined the Texans in a trade with the Detroit Lions, receiving two draft picks (a 2026 fourth-round choice and a 2027 seventh-round pick) along with offensive lineman Juice Scruggs. He acknowledged how the business side of the league can impact long-term plans. While he valued his time in Detroit and the city’s support, he recognized that roster moves are part of professional football and expressed respect for the Lions and their direction.
New role in Houston
Speaking publicly after joining the Texans, Montgomery stressed that he is focused on the present: he is in Houston and ready to contribute. He indicated that he expects to serve as the lead back, ahead of fellow backs Woody Marks, Jawhar Jordan, and British Brooks, though those players will still receive opportunities. He has also taken steps to prepare physically for a heavy workload, losing about 12 pounds and lowering his body fat to around 10%.
Impact and fit with the Texans
Montgomery spoke positively about the Texans’ program and coaching staff, noting a strong alignment with the team’s patient, player-focused approach. He highlighted the upgrade in the team’s backfield and anticipated a productive collaboration with fellow players.
Connection with teammates and coaching staff
Montgomery spoke highly of Jahmyr Gibbs, his former Lions backfield partner, describing Gibbs as like a younger sibling and praising their time together. He also offered praise for quarterback C.J. Stroud, describing him as composed and adept at ball placement, drawing a comparison to Jared Goff in terms of readiness to perform.
Defense and culture under DeMeco Ryans
On the defensive side, Montgomery shared admiration for the Texans’ unit, particularly noting Will Anderson Jr. and the secondary players as a high-energy, aggressive group. He emphasized that the team’s culture and approach to competition are a good fit for his style, stating that offensive improvement requires toughness and effort in practice as a precursor to game performance.
Coaching transitions
Montgomery’s perspective includes a praise-filled nod to the coaching transition from Dan Campbell’s Lions staff to DeMeco Ryans’ Texans staff, recognizing similar elements in leadership and philosophy that he believes will make the collaboration enjoyable and successful.
Roster outlook and expectations
Montgomery’s comments reflect confidence in his role as a primary contributor for the Texans, with a clear-eyed view of the competition in the backfield. He also praised the Texans’ defense and the overall environment, signaling a belief that the team can compete at a high level with him leading the run game.
Overall takeaway
The move to Houston represents a fresh chapter for Montgomery, who is optimistic about sustaining his production at a demanding position and contributing to a team that values toughness, preparation, and a strong defensive backbone. His readiness to embrace a lead role, combined with the Texans’ growth trajectory, sets the stage for a potentially productive collaboration in the upcoming seasons.
