The Cleveland Browns have reached an agreement to trade for offensive tackle Tytus Howard from the Houston Texans, with the deal involving a fifth-round draft pick, according to a source familiar with the matter. The transaction is expected to be finalized once the NFL‘s new league year begins on March 11. Alongside the trade, Howard is anticipated to sign a three-year extension worth $63 million as he enters his eighth NFL season.
Howard’s Role and Experience on the Offensive Line
Tytus Howard, initially a first-round pick by the Texans in 2019, has accumulated 93 regular-season starts. While projected to start at right tackle for the Browns, Howard’s versatility is notable; he has previous experience playing left tackle and right guard. His arrival marks a vital step in Cleveland’s efforts to strengthen an offensive line that struggled with injuries and instability last season, having used 10 different starting combinations.
Challenges on Cleveland’s Offensive Line Heading Into the Season
Currently, left tackle Dawand Jones is the only confirmed Week 1 starter on Cleveland’s offensive line, though he is recovering from knee surgery. Veteran left guard Joel Bitonio remains uncertain about continuing his career after 12 seasons, weighing retirement against the possibility of re-signing. This uncertainty places additional emphasis on the Browns’ strategy to rebuild their line through trades, free agency, and the draft.
General Manager Andrew Berry’s Approach Inspired by Chicago’s Strategy
During the recent NFL Scouting Combine, Browns GM Andrew Berry discussed his interest in the model used by the Chicago Bears to revamp their offensive line, which involved a blend of acquiring veteran players through trade and free agency, drafting young talent, and internal development. The Bears’ approach combined four new starters, including Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson via trade, Drew Dalman in free agency, and second-round pick Ozzy Trapilo.
If you think about it, they did a combination of internal development, veteran editions and draft, right?
Berry said about the Bears.
You had Darnell Wright, who he really came into his own at right tackle this past year. They traded for Joe Thuney, they traded for Jonah Jackson, they signed (Drew) Dalman in free agency and they drafted Ozzy Trapilo in the second round. So it’s a nice mixture of youth and experience and I think that we would look to take a similar approach if the player markets line up for us.
Outlook for the Browns’ Roster and Draft Strategy
The Browns, who recently replaced head coach Kevin Stefanski with Todd Monken while retaining Andrew Berry as GM, hold nine selections in the upcoming NFL draft, including two first-round picks (sixth and 24th overall). The team’s moves to acquire Howard and adopt a diverse strategy reflect their intent to create a more stable, experienced offensive line capable of supporting their offense in the coming seasons.
