The Cleveland Browns addressed their offensive line struggles by trading for Houston Texans right tackle Tytus Howard in a deal finalized this year. This acquisition, costing only a fifth-round draft pick, brings a proven starter to Cleveland and could significantly influence the team’s strategy for the 2026 NFL Draft.
General Manager Andrew Berry quickly secured Howard with a three-year contract extension worth $63 million, reflecting the Browns’ confidence in him as a top-tier right tackle. Howard’s experience includes 93 starts over seven seasons with Houston, and he finished last season ranked among the top 20 pass-blocking tackles in the league. This addition not only strengthens Cleveland’s offensive line immediately but also raises questions about their future draft priorities.
How Acquiring Howard Could Redirect Cleveland’s 2026 Draft Choices
The Browns have often been projected to use the No. 6 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to select an offensive tackle. However, the arrival of Howard, coupled with a draft class heavy on right tackles such as Miami‘s Francis Mauigoa and Utah‘s Spencer Fano, suggests a potential shift in focus. These right tackles might need to move inside to guard or switch to left tackle, roles that may not justify a high draft pick.
Top left tackles available in that draft, including Utah’s Caleb Lomu and Georgia’s Monroe Freeling, are not expected to be gushed over early enough to be chosen at No. 6. Cleveland could instead target other positions of need with this high pick, potentially exploring promising wide receivers like Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, Ohio State’s Carnell Tate, or USC’s Makai Lemon. Additional tackles like Clemson’s Blake Miller or Northwestern’s Caleb Tiernan might be considered in the second round for left tackle depth.
Howard’s presence as a reliable, seasoned starter instantly fills a critical gap on the Browns’ line, which may reduce the urgency to draft a tackle early. This flexibility could prompt Cleveland to prioritize impact players at other positions when the 2026 draft arrives, particularly those who are more likely to contribute immediately.
“Adding Howard gives the Browns a starter at right tackle for years to come, altering their need to reach for an offensive lineman early in the draft,”
Andrew Berry stated.
The trade represents not only a tactical upgrade to the Browns’ offensive front but also a strategic pivot for their 2026 draft approach, reflecting a trend where proven veterans can influence draft decisions by mitigating positional needs. As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, it will be important to watch how the Browns adapt their plans in response to this key acquisition.
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
