The Cleveland Browns’ search for stability on the offensive line took a major step forward this week, as the team agreed to acquire veteran right tackle Tytus Howard from the Houston Texans in exchange for a fifth-round pick. The deal, which cannot be officially finalized until the start of the new league year on March 11, 2026, comes with a significant commitment: Howard will reportedly sign a new three-year, $63 million contract extension with Cleveland, locking the versatile lineman in through the prime of his career.
Howard, who turns 30 in May, brings with him a wealth of experience and flexibility, having started 93 games over his seven-year NFL career—all with the Texans. Originally a first-round pick (No. 23 overall) out of Alabama State University in 2019, Howard quickly established himself as a reliable presence on Houston’s front, earning a spot on the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team. Since then, he’s been a mainstay—missing significant time only twice due to injury, but otherwise starting at least 14 games in five of seven seasons, including all 16 regular-season games and four playoff contests over the last two years.
In 2025, Howard wasn’t just a steady starter; he was a model of versatility. He logged 628 snaps at right tackle, 402 at left guard, and 132 at right guard, a testament to his adaptability and value to a team in flux. According to Pro Football Focus, Howard didn’t allow a single sack last season, surrendering just one quarterback hit and 25 hurries. Next Gen Stats further highlighted his performance, noting a 4.8% pressure rate and a career-best 1.1% quick pressure rate—numbers that put him among the league’s more reliable pass protectors. "I just appreciate the support over the last seven years," Howard told Houston’s KPRC-TV’s Aaron Wilson. "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."
The Browns are counting on Howard to do just that. Cleveland’s offensive line was in desperate need of reinforcement, having allowed 51 sacks in 2025—the eighth-worst total in the NFL. Heading into 2026, only one Week 1 starter, Dawand Jones, is under contract, and he’s still recovering from a serious leg injury that ended his season in Week 3. The rest of the line is a patchwork, with KT Leveston (seven starts, mostly at right tackle) and center Luke Wypler (four starts, currently rehabbing a leg injury) among the few returning contributors. The situation was dire enough that general manager Andrew Berry hinted at a major shakeup during the NFL Combine, referencing the Chicago Bears’ recent blend of internal development, veteran additions, and draft picks as a model for Cleveland’s approach.
"If you think about it, they did a combination of internal development, veteran additions and draft, right? ... 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," Berry explained at the combine. The Browns have nine picks in the upcoming April draft, including two each in the first and fifth rounds, and have already been meeting with top left tackle prospects at the combine, such as Utah’s Caleb Lomu and Spencer Fano, Miami’s Francis Mauigoa, Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor, Georgia’s Monroe Freeling, and Clemson’s Blake Miller. The acquisition of Howard doesn’t preclude them from targeting a left tackle early in the draft, but it does give them a proven starter at a crucial position.
The trade is the latest in a string of deals between Browns GM Andrew Berry and Texans GM Nick Caserio. Just last year, the Browns acquired left tackle Cam Robinson from Houston, though Robinson is now a free agent. The most infamous transaction between the two franchises remains the 2022 blockbuster that brought quarterback Deshaun Watson to Cleveland. This time, the price was more modest—a fifth-round pick, specifically the one Cleveland acquired from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for quarterback Kenny Pickett last summer.
For Houston, Howard’s departure marks the second straight offseason the Texans have traded away a cornerstone of their offensive line, having sent Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders in 2025. The Texans now have only two returning starters—center Jake Andrews and tackle Aireontae Ersery—under contract for 2026, with right guard Ed Ingram and right tackle Trent Brown both set to hit free agency. The franchise is expected to overhaul its line through free agency and the draft, but replacing Howard’s production and versatility won’t be easy. The move does offer Houston some cap relief, saving $4.2 million despite creating $23.6 million in dead money due to previous contract restructures.
Howard’s contract situation was a driving force behind the deal. He was set to make $17.5 million in base salary in 2026 with a cap hit approaching $28 million on his Texans deal. The Browns’ new extension reportedly includes $45 million in new money and $43 million guaranteed, demonstrating the team’s commitment to solidifying the offensive front for whoever lines up under center next season. Cleveland’s quarterback situation remains unsettled, with new head coach Todd Monken—formerly the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive coordinator—yet to name a starter. Options include second-year prospects Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel, or a return to veteran Deshaun Watson.
Howard’s arrival is expected to provide immediate stability and leadership to a unit in transition. His experience playing multiple spots on the line gives the Browns flexibility as they continue to build around a young, developing roster. While his Pro Football Focus grade ranked him 58th at his position in 2025, the advanced metrics and lack of sacks allowed underscore his effectiveness, especially in pass protection. At 6-foot-5 and 322 pounds, Howard’s size and athleticism are assets that the Browns hope will translate to improved results on the field.
"I wasn’t surprised," Howard admitted to KPRC 2. "They’re trying to get younger and pay some guys. I ain’t mad. I kind of knew it was going to happen." Despite the business side of the move, Howard’s legacy in Houston is secure. He leaves as one of the franchise’s longest-tenured and most respected players, known for his willingness to play any position and for his involvement in the community.
As the NFL’s new league year approaches, all eyes in Cleveland will be on how quickly Howard can acclimate to his new team and what further moves the Browns might make to shore up their offensive line. The trade signals a clear intent: Cleveland is determined to protect its quarterback—whoever that may be—and give its offense a fighting chance in the always-competitive AFC North. With Howard now in the fold and the draft looming, the Browns’ offensive line makeover is just getting started.