The Houston Texans have agreed to send starting right tackle Tytus Howard to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a 5th round pick (139th overall).
As part of the deal, Howard will receive a 3 year, $63M extension from Cleveland who was facing an offseason where every single starting offensive lineman was potentially set to depart the team. Howard brings some versatility to the Browns as well, having played 2 games at right guard, and six games at left guard due to injuries in 2025.
The soon to be 30 year old told reporters that the deal was a move he was expecting this offseason. “They’re trying to get younger and pay some guys,” he told KPRC2 in Houston. “I ain’t mad. I kind of knew it was going to happen. … I just appreciate the support over the last seven years. I’ll always be a Texan forever. I’m excited to go to Cleveland and turn the city up and help change the program and win some games.”
Cleveland ranked 20th in pass block win rate and 24th in run block win rate last season. According to NextGen stats, Howard allowed only a 4.8% pressure rate and a 1.1% quick pressure rate in 2025, both career best marks.
The signing of Howard is the first of what’s expected to be a flurry of activity for the Browns along the offensive line heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. Cleveland holds the 6th and 24th overall picks next month and figure to use one or even both to address their offensive line.
Meanwhile, Houston continues their recent trend of trading their best offensive lineman in the offseason for the 2nd year in a row. A season removed from trading Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders, Houston will now head into the draft with only two starters along their O-Line under contract.
With right guard Ed Ingram and tackle Trent Brown set to become free agents, the team only has tackle Aireontae Ersery and centre Jake Andrews returning from the 2025 campaign. Currently holding the 28th overall pick in the upcoming draft, Houston figures to be one of the busier teams in free agency to address an offensive line that struggled to open up holes in the running game last season.
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