The Cleveland Browns have set the NFL rumor mill ablaze with a bold, much-anticipated move: acquiring right tackle Tytus Howard from the Houston Texans in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick. The trade, which took place on March 2, 2026, is more than just a roster shuffle—it’s the first domino in what promises to be a sweeping overhaul of Cleveland’s offensive line. Howard, 29, arrives in Ohio with a fresh three-year, $63 million contract extension, underscoring the Browns’ commitment to rebuilding their trenches with proven talent.
Howard’s journey to Cleveland is the stuff of NFL persistence. Drafted 23rd overall out of Alabama State in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Howard has been a mainstay on the Texans’ offensive line for seven seasons, starting 93 games—an impressive feat for any lineman in the league. Over the past two seasons, he’s started all 16 games each year, a testament to his durability and reliability, two qualities the Browns desperately need as they face a potential exodus of their starting linemen.
In 2025, Howard earned a Pro Football Focus (PFF) pass-blocking grade of 77.1, ranking 17th out of 89 qualified offensive tackles. While he’s never been considered an elite run blocker, his steady performance has consistently placed him near the middle of the pack, making him a valuable asset for a team in transition. The Browns’ front office, led by general manager Andrew Berry, clearly recognized this value, jumping at the chance to secure Howard’s services for the foreseeable future.
So why would Houston, already thin on the offensive line, part ways with one of their best blockers? The answer is as old as the NFL itself: salary cap management. Howard was entering the final year of his contract, and with looming extensions for key players like Will Anderson Jr., the Texans simply couldn’t afford to keep him. Cleveland, with more cap flexibility and an urgent need, stepped in—willing to pay both the draft capital and the hefty extension to land their man.
Howard’s arrival in Cleveland signals more than just a personnel change; it marks the beginning of a significant rebuild. The Browns have all five of their starting offensive linemen from 2025 set to hit free agency, and at least four are not expected to return. Veteran right tackle Jack Conklin and All-Pro right guard Wyatt Teller will both be allowed to walk in free agency, while center Ethan Pocic is coming off a ruptured Achilles and may not be re-signed. Star left guard Joel Bitonio, a seven-time Pro Bowler and stalwart of the Browns’ line, is contemplating retirement or a move to another team. Tackle Dawand Jones, meanwhile, is recovering from major knee and hamstring surgery. It’s a perfect storm that has forced Cleveland’s hand.
Berry, speaking at the NFL Combine, made no secret of the team’s intentions. He cited the Chicago Bears’ recent approach as a model for rebuilding the line, blending internal development with veteran additions and smart drafting. “I actually think what Chicago, what (GM) Ryan Poles did last year is a really nice model,” Berry said. “If you think about it, they did a combination of internal development, veteran additions and draft. It’s a nice mixture of youth and experience and we would look to take a similar approach if the player markets line up for us.”
With the 6th and 24th overall picks in the upcoming NFL Draft, Cleveland is expected to use at least one of those selections on an offensive lineman, perhaps targeting a tackle to pair with Howard for the long term. For now, though, the Browns can rest a bit easier knowing they have at least one proven starter locked in—someone who’s not only durable, but also brings playoff experience and a winning mentality.
Howard’s impact isn’t just theoretical, either. During his time in Houston, he blocked for quarterback Deshaun Watson in the 2019 and 2020 seasons. In 2020, Watson led the NFL with 4,823 passing yards and posted a sterling 112.4 passer rating, second only to Aaron Rodgers. Howard’s steady presence on the right side was a major factor in that offensive success, and now he’ll be reunited with Watson in Cleveland. Watson, for his part, will compete for the starting job this offseason with 2025 fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders, adding another layer of intrigue to the Browns’ evolving offense.
Howard himself is embracing the change with open arms. “I just appreciate the support over the last seven years,” Howard told KPRC 2, Houston’s NBC affiliate. “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.” He wasn’t surprised by the trade, adding, “They’re trying to get younger and pay some guys. I ain’t mad. I kind of knew it was going to happen.”
For the Browns, the trade is being widely hailed as a shrewd move. Acquiring an above-average starting tackle for a fifth-round pick is a bargain in today’s NFL, especially when considering Howard’s track record and the team’s desperate need for stability up front. The contract extension, while hefty, is in line with market rates for quality tackles and gives Cleveland some cost certainty as they navigate the rest of free agency and the draft.
There’s no denying the challenges ahead. With so many veteran linemen departing or recovering from injuries, Berry and new head coach Todd Monken have their work cut out for them. The offensive line will be shaped throughout the spring and summer, with the draft expected to play a major role. But with Howard in the fold, the Browns have taken a crucial first step toward rebuilding what was once one of the league’s most formidable units.
The trade cannot be officially finalized until the new league year begins on March 11 at 4 p.m., but all signs point to Howard suiting up in brown and orange this fall. As the Browns continue their offseason overhaul, fans can look forward to seeing a new-look offensive line anchored by a proven veteran—one who’s hungry to make an impact and help propel Cleveland back into playoff contention. The journey is just beginning, but with Tytus Howard leading the charge, the Browns’ future in the trenches looks a whole lot brighter.