Houston Texans sign David Montgomery

David Montgomery earns an A– Contract Value Index (CVI) on his trade to Houston, a deal that reflects shrewd mid-roster investment at a position where depth and proven production command premium pricing. At $8.25M AAV over two years ($16.5M total), the Texans are paying market-rate for a solid starter running back with a track record of reliability—not an elite, franchise-caliber talent, but a dependable complement in any ground-game scheme. The structure here is clean: the team locked in a back capable of handling bell-cow volume without overpaying for perennial Pro Bowl caliber, which is exactly what mid-tier RB trades should accomplish. Montgomery's CVI benefit flows from timing—acquired during the offseason, he slots into Houston's roster without the emergency-signing premium and allows the front office to address other needs without compromising cap flexibility on the position. The risk is modest but real: at this salary band, the back's durability and scheme fit matter enormously, and any significant decline in opportunity share would quickly flip the value equation negative. For a 12-5 playoff team looking to strengthen run efficiency without overextending cap room, this represents the kind of low-leverage, high-confidence move that separates competent front offices from reactive ones.