The Houston Texans have just made a bold move that’s sure to shake up their backfield—and it’s leaving fans with one big question: What does this mean for Joe Mixon and Nick Chubb? With the arrival of David Montgomery, the Texans are sending a clear message: There’s no room for their seasoned running backs anymore. But here’s where it gets controversial—is this the right strategy for a team that’s been leaning heavily on older players in recent years?
Let’s break it down. The Texans have a peculiar fondness for veteran running backs, but their latest acquisition, David Montgomery, who’s approaching 30, seems to signal a shift—or at least a tightening of the roster. Montgomery’s trade to Houston next Wednesday effectively closes the door on Mixon and Chubb, both of whom were expected to play key roles. Mixon, traded to the Texans in 2024, spent last season on the non-football injury list due to a mysterious foot injury, while Chubb, signed as a free agent, rushed for 506 yards in 15 games (nine starts) in 2025. Neither will return in 2026, as Montgomery and Woody Marks are now set to lead the backfield.
Chubb, already a free agent, and Mixon, who will likely be released, are now free to explore opportunities elsewhere. But this is the part most people miss—older running backs rarely play special teams, and with the third-string back often filling that role, there’s simply no space for them on the depth chart. At 30 (or nearly 30 in Mixon’s case, as he turns 30 in July), their only path back to Houston would require neither signing with another team and an injury-induced opportunity for a reunion—a long shot at best.
Montgomery’s contract adds another layer to this decision. He’ll earn $6 million this year and $9 million in 2027, positioning him as the older, experienced option for at least the next two seasons while Marks, who impressed with 703 rushing yards as a rookie, continues to develop. The timing of the trade, coming on the first business day after the Scouting Combine, suggests the Texans carefully weighed their options and opted for a reliable, cost-effective choice compared to the top free-agent running backs.
Of course, this move wasn’t without cost. The Texans gave up significant assets, including a fourth-round pick, for a player who turns 29 in June. But that’s their strategy—pairing one older running back with a younger one, all while consistently overhauling their offensive line. It’s a curious approach, to say the least, and one that raises questions about long-term sustainability.
Is this a smart play for the Texans, or are they overlooking the value of proven veterans like Mixon and Chubb? And what does this say about their broader roster strategy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark differing opinions.
