Lions HC Dan Campbell gives rousing endorsement on RB David Montgomery
· Yahoo Sports
While the Detroit Lions loved David Montgomery, they realized their time together had reached an impasse.
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Lions coach Dan Campbell knew he was a special talent when he signed on with the team in 2023. With him in the fold, Detroit reached a pair of postseason appearances and an NFC Championship game within a year.
Now Montgomery is off on his next adventure, serving as the new lead back for the Houston Texans as a replacement for Pro Bowler Joe Mixon.
And while Campbell will miss 'Knuckles' in the Motor City, he predicts that the former No. 2 option will be a No. 1 hit in Houston.
“I love David Montgomery,” Campbell told KPRC 2 Sports' Aaron Wilson at the annual NFL meetings in Arizona. “He’s a stud. He’s unbelievable. We had a conversation and felt like this was something that was going to be good for both sides. This gave David an opportunity to be the bellcow and we got some value back."
Montgomery, who rushed for over 2,500 yards and scored 33 touchdowns during his tenure in Detroit, will still be splitting carries in Houston, but expect the Texans to use him like his former counterpart in All-Pro Jahymr Gibbs. Second-year runner Woody Marks likely will handle RB2 duties while mixing in the passing games, similar to his role at USC and Missisippi State in college.
But the Texans view Montgomery as a game-changer. It's why they restructured his contract, giving him $16.5 million over the next two seasons, including a $6.5 million signing bonus.
Campbell, who is looking to guide the Lions back to the playoffs after missing last season, knows he'll have to replace the production of Montgomery, but he knows his career will only continue to expand away from Ford Field.
“I love David. He’s a freaking pro, man. He is unbelievable," Campbell said. "So, he will be missed, but I think the Houston Texans are going to be very happy with the back they just got. I think he makes them better.”
The Texans will have eight picks in the upcoming draft come next month.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Lions HC Dan Campbell gives rousing endorsement on RB David Montgomery