The Houston Texans began their offensive line overhaul by trading versatile offensive lineman Tytus Howard to the Cleveland Browns for a Day 3 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Both teams were looking to upgrade their offensive lines, with the Browns needing bodies after having six free agent offensive linemen, while the Texans were looking for improvement after an inconsistent 2025 season up front.
The move freed up cap space for Houston, allowing them to have an eventful offseason and address the offensive
line in different ways.
Original terms for the Tytus Howard trade between the Browns and Texans
- Cleveland Browns receive: OT Tytus Howard
- Houston Texans receive: 2026 fifth-round pick (No. 139 overall)
Who did the Texans select with the pick from the Tytus Howard trade?
We will update when pick 139 is made.
How did Tytus Howard play in 2025?
Howard was a part of the inconsistent Texans offensive line, seeing action at left guard (402 snaps), right guard (132 snaps), and right tackle (628 snaps). In 2025, he ranked in the 24th percentile in pass block win rate and the 31st percentile in run block win rate at tackle last year, according to ESPN.
The year before? The results weren’t much better.
At this stage, Howard’s biggest key is his availability (he’s played in 16 games the last two years) and versatility (seeing snaps at both guard and tackle). He’s just been below average when on the field over the past few seasons.
Who won the Tytus Howard trade between the Browns and Texans?
Looking back at the trade, getting a fifth-round pick for a below-average tackle is a good deal for the Texans, especially considering how they went about the rest of their offseason.
Houston improved with the signing of right tackle Braden Smith, who earned a two-year, $25 million deal. That’s $20 million less than what Cleveland gave Howard upon trading for him (two year, $45 million extension) for arguably the better player in 2025.
Injuries will be key there, but Houston upgraded for cheaper at right tackle. The Texans also had the cap space to add Evan Brown and Wyatt Teller in free agency, revamping their offensive line.
Overall, they upgraded at right tackle and got a draft pick out of it. Pretty good move.
