The Houston Texans have made a significant move to bolster their offensive line by signing veteran offensive tackle Trent Brown to a one-year deal worth up to $3 million, according to his agent Drew Rosenhaus. Announced on March 21, 2025, this deal comes as part of the Texans' clear effort to improve their lineup following a less than satisfactory previous season.
Brown, a 31-year-old tackle listed at a towering 6-foot-8 and weighing 380 pounds, brings a wealth of experience to the Texans. The ten-year veteran had a tumultuous 2024 season with the Cincinnati Bengals, appearing in only three games before a season-ending torn patellar tendon sidelined him. Despite the injury, Brown is looking to establish himself anew in Houston.
Throughout his career, Brown has bounced between several teams, including the San Francisco 49ers, where he began his journey as a seventh-round draft pick in 2015, the New England Patriots, and the Las Vegas Raiders. Notably, he was named to the Pro Bowl in 2019 as a member of the Raiders, recognizing his exceptional skills and performance on the field.
The Texans' latest signing of Brown fits within a larger strategy to strengthen their offensive line, a priority given the struggles they faced last season, which culminated in trading Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders. Brown is expected to step into both a right tackle role and serve as a swing tackle, demonstrating his versatility.
Commenting on Brown's signing, sources involved noted that his ability to play both left and right tackles provides the Texans flexibility in reshaping their offensive strategy. Coach DeMeco Ryans, along with General Manager Nick Caserio, are keen on revitalizing the offensive front, and the addition of Brown is a key piece of this puzzle.
Brown’s injury history has raised concerns regarding his durability. He has only played all of a team’s regular-season games once in the last six years. Furthermore, he has started 96 out of the 103 games he has played over his career, indicating his importance when healthy. This history will be closely monitored by the Texans as they look to get the most out of his talent.
The Texans also recently signed another tackle, Cam Robinson, for a year at $12 million. With Robinson on the left side and Brown likely on the right, the team appears poised to benefit from their combined experience as they build towards the upcoming season.
In addition to these signings, the Texans have been quite active in the offseason, making a series of transactions intended to reshape their roster. This includes the trading of guard Kenyon Green and the addition of key players like guard Laken Tomlinson and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. As the Texans continue to move through free agency, it’s clear they are focused on establishing a strong core, particularly on the offensive line, to support their offensive capabilities next season.
The Texans' overhaul reflects their commitment to hitting a reset button on their offensive front. Ryans commented during the combine about the need for major changes, and these recent moves echo that sentiment. With Brown joining the ranks, the Texans hope to not only provide additional protection for their quarterback but also to enhance their running game, addressing weaknesses exposed in the previous season.
Looking forward, Trent Brown will be vital for the Texans as they seek to navigate the complexities of an NFL season. His recovery from injury and performance on the field will be closely watched, as he attempts to contribute significantly to a team that clearly needs an improvement in its offensive line capabilities. As the team gears up for the impending season, the hope is that Brown's signing will be a pivotal factor in turning around their fortunes.
