The Detroit Lions and Houston Texans made a trade on Monday that gives the Denver Broncos, Dallas Cowboys, and Seattle Seahawks a new potential running back target.
Detroit traded running back David Montgomery to Houston for a pair of Day 3 picks and center Juice Scruggs.
"Updated compensation: Texans get: RB David Montgomery. Lions get: fourth-round pick, OL Juice Scruggs, and a 7th-round pick," ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on X.
With Montgomery joining the Texans' backfield, Joe Mixon's future with Houston is now even more set in stone. Mixon will be cut by the Texans in the coming weeks.
Mixon missed the entire 2025 campaign with a foot injury, but when he was last on the field in 2024, the 29-year-old tallied over 1,000 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns with 309 yards through the air. Mixon also earned his second Pro Bowl selection that year.
Denver, Dallas, and Seattle could all be in the market for a running back, and Mixon could emerge as an option.
The Broncos' inefficient rushing attack played a key role in their demise in the AFC Championship Game versus the New England Patriots. Though signing Mixon would come with some risk, the veteran would be a nice fit in Sean Payton's squad and add another element to Denver's offense.
Javonte Williams signed a three-year extension with Dallas and will serve as the team's top back for years to come, but signing Mixon to serve as the backup would be a savvy move.
If Seattle loses Kenneth Walker in free agency, Mixon would be a viable replacement, though it remains to be seen whether he can fill the shoes left by the Super Bowl MVP.
When Houston releases Mixon, he should have a few suitors, including the Broncos, Cowboys, and Steelers.
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