The Houston Texans are actively addressing their offensive line needs after securing right guard Ed Ingram to a three-year, $37.5 million contract. With Ingram’s position settled, Houston still faces decisions regarding the left guard and center roles, as well as Aireontae Ersery’s placement on the line for the 2026 season. Ersery started 17 games last year at left tackle, and once his future spot is confirmed, the Texans will focus on filling the final tackle position. Trent Brown remains on the roster as a versatile swing tackle.
Key Addition: Former Colts Tackle Braden Smith Joins Texans
The Texans have agreed to a deal with 29-year-old Braden Smith, a former Indianapolis Colts tackle, locking in a two-year contract worth $25 million, with $13.5 million fully guaranteed. Smith mainly played right tackle in the NFL but brings valuable guard experience from his college days at Auburn, where he took over 2,000 snaps at right guard. This flexibility positions him as a candidate to strengthen the Texans’ offensive line, potentially at left guard. Should Smith stay at right tackle, the team will likely keep Ersery at left tackle to maintain line stability.
“Former Colts OT Braden Smith reached agreement with the Houston Texans on a two-year, $25 million deal including $13.5 million fully guaranteed, per his agent Michael Perrett of Priority Sports.” ?Adam Schefter, NFL Insider
Reviewing Braden Smith’s 2025 Season Performance
Smith chose to continue his NFL career through 2025 after considering retirement, which was influenced by his struggles with OCD and religious scrupulosity, conditions that caused him to miss the final five games of the 2024 season. During his eighth year, he started 13 games and demonstrated strong protection skills. Over that span, Smith allowed 26 pressures, 19 hurries, six quarterback hits, and only one sack. His season was cut short due to a neck injury and concussion, leading to absence in the last four contests.
Significance of the Signing for Texans’ Offensive Line Future
Braden Smith’s arrival is an important step in fortifying the Texans’ offensive front, addressing critical vacancies and offering positional versatility. Alongside Ed Ingram’s re-signing and Trent Brown’s retained presence, Smith provides the Texans with depth and experience as they prepare for the 2026 campaign. The team’s upcoming decisions regarding Aireontae Ersery’s role will further clarify their offensive line configuration, which is vital for quarterback protection and offensive productivity moving forward.
Former Colts OT Braden Smith reached agreement with the Houston Texans on a two-year, $25 million deal including $13.5 million fully guaranteed, per his agent Michael Perrett of Priority Sports. pic.twitter.com/CglEBaPneZ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2026
