The Houston Texans have traded offensive lineman Tytus Howard to the Cleveland Browns for a fifth-round draft pick, according to NFL Media. The Browns are expected to sign Howard to a new three-year deal worth $63 million as they aim to strengthen their offensive line before free agency and the draft.
How the Browns Are Addressing Offensive Line Challenges
The Browns face a critical offseason in improving their offensive line, a group that struggled throughout the 2025 season. Adding urgency to their rebuilding efforts, all five starting linemen—Cam Robinson, Jack Conklin, Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller, and Ethan Pocic—are set to become free agents. CBS Sports Research notes this would be the first time since 1970 that a team loses every offensive line starter in one offseason.
Tytus Howard, who was the Texans’ top offensive lineman last season, offers versatility at both tackle and guard positions, which could be vital as the Browns look for reliable starters. Howard, selected 23rd overall in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Alabama State, played right tackle, right guard, and left guard in 2025 and allowed pressure on only 3.4% of his snaps, a personal best. Entering the offseason at age 30, he has started 93 NFL games, showcasing his adaptability across almost all line spots except center.
Evaluating the Browns’ Acquisition of Howard
The Browns made a similar move last year when they acquired Cam Robinson from Houston, and this trade continues their path of targeting Texans’ offensive linemen. The price Cleveland paid—a fifth-round pick—is reasonable, especially since the team obtained extra fifth-round selections after trading quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders. With three fifth-round picks available this offseason, the Browns made a strategic decision to invest in a proven, versatile veteran.
Ian Rapoport highlighted the league-wide demand for offensive linemen during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, emphasizing Cleveland’s significant need. He stated, “
unbelievable need for offensive linemen
” – Ian Rapoport, NFL Insider
The Browns’ addition of Howard is a pragmatic start to rebuilding a struggling frontline, though further moves remain necessary to fully shore up the unit.
Consequences of the Trade for the Texans’ Offensive Line
The Texans appear motivated by salary cap relief, as Howard had one year left on his contract and the team is currently over the cap limit. Moving Howard frees up space but leaves Houston without their best offensive lineman from 2025. Pro Football Focus ranked the Texans’ offensive front among the league’s bottom six, signaling persistent weaknesses.
This move also marks a pattern for Houston, which traded left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders for draft compensation last March. With Howard gone, the Texans now only have tackle Aireontae Ersery and center Jake Andrews signed as starters, while guard Ed Ingram and right tackle Trent Brown are free agents. Addressing this depleted offensive line remains a top priority for Houston entering the offseason.
Implications for Both Teams Moving Forward
The transfer of Tytus Howard symbolizes contrasting approaches between Houston and Cleveland. The Browns take a step forward by securing a multi-position lineman to face imminent free agency losses. For the Texans, the trade reduces financial burdens but compounds existing vulnerabilities along their offensive front.
Going into the 2026 season, Cleveland’s ability to build around Howard and integrate him effectively will influence how competitive their offense becomes. Meanwhile, Houston’s front office faces the challenge of rebuilding a compromised offensive line through the draft and free agency after relinquishing two key veterans in successive seasons. The balance between financial management and on-field performance will be critical for both franchises.
Sources: The #Texans and #Browns have agreed to terms on a trade to send starting RT Tytus Howard to Cleveland in exchange for a fifth-round pick.
Much-needed OL help. Plus, Howard gets a new 3-year, $63M extension in a deal done by @malkikawa and Ethan Lock of @FirstRoundMgmt. pic.twitter.com/3X2PprFIjN
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 2, 2026
From our NFL Combine coverage on @NFLNetwork: One takeaway from a week in Indy — Everyone needs linemen. pic.twitter.com/yjVkYqhXT8
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 1, 2026
