Texans Trade Starting Offensive Lineman to Browns

Houston deals Tytus Howard, a 2019 first-round pick, to Cleveland for a fifth-round pick

Mar. 2, 2026 at 3:31pm

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The Houston Texans have traded starting right tackle Tytus Howard to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick. Howard, a 2019 first-round selection by the Texans, will sign a three-year, $63 million extension with the Browns.

Why it matters

The trade of Howard, a key member of the Texans' offensive line, signals a potential rebuilding effort in Houston as they look to shed salary and acquire draft capital. For the Browns, adding Howard bolsters their offensive line as they aim to compete in the AFC North.

The details

Over the past two seasons, Howard started 32 of 34 possible regular-season games for the Texans. Last year, he ranked tied for 40th among all offensive tackles in pressures allowed with 26, though he did not surrender any sacks. The Texans will save $18 million in cash and $4.22 million in initial cap space by trading Howard, who was entering the final year of his rookie contract.

  • The trade was announced on March 2, 2026.

The players

Tytus Howard

A 2019 first-round pick by the Houston Texans, Howard has started 32 of 34 possible games over the past two seasons as the team's right tackle.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns acquire Howard in a trade with the Texans, adding him to their offensive line as they look to compete in the AFC North.

Houston Texans

The Texans trade away Howard, a key member of their offensive line, as they look to shed salary and acquire draft capital in a potential rebuilding effort.

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What they’re saying

“According to Texans Over The Cap, Houston will save $18 million in cash savings, $4.22 million in initial cap savings, $3.21 million in net cap savings and roughly $23.7 million in dead money. Howard likely wanted a new deal but the Texans weren't willing to budge entering the final year of his contract.”

— Cole Thompson, Managing Editor of Texans Wire

The takeaway

The Texans' trade of Tytus Howard signals a potential rebuilding effort in Houston, as they look to shed salary and acquire draft capital. For the Browns, adding Howard bolsters their offensive line as they aim to compete in the AFC North.