Texans Linked to $61 Million Browns Pro Bowler After Free Agency Miss

Houston could target Wyatt Teller if Browns release him before contract deadline.

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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The Houston Texans have been active in free agency this offseason, but have missed out on some key targets like Elgton Jenkins. Now, they are being linked to a potential trade for Cleveland Browns guard Wyatt Teller, who has a 'poison pill' provision in his contract that could make him available.

Why it matters

Signing Teller would help the Texans solidify their offensive line, which is a key priority this offseason. Teller is a Pro Bowler, but has dealt with some injury issues in recent seasons. The Texans will need to weigh the risks and benefits of potentially acquiring him.

The details

The Texans were interested in signing Elgton Jenkins from the Green Bay Packers, but were outbid by the Browns. This has renewed their interest in Teller, who they have explored trading for in the past. Teller is on a four-year, $56.8 million contract with the Browns that has a 'poison pill' provision - his $9.9 million base salary for 2028 will become guaranteed if he is still on the roster on the third day of the new league year, which is this Friday, March 13. The Texans could try to acquire Teller if the Browns decide to release him before that deadline.

  • The Texans reached out to Elgton Jenkins with a 'competitive' offer on March 11, 2026.
  • The Browns signed Elgton Jenkins to a two-year, $24 million contract on March 11, 2026.
  • The 'poison pill' provision in Wyatt Teller's contract with the Browns will kick in on March 13, 2026.

The players

Nick Caserio

The general manager of the Houston Texans.

Wyatt Teller

A Pro Bowl guard for the Cleveland Browns who has a 'poison pill' provision in his contract that could make him available.

Elgton Jenkins

An offensive lineman who the Texans were interested in signing, but were outbid by the Browns.

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What they’re saying

“#Texans have shown interest in former #Browns left guard Wyatt Teller, per sources. But nothing pending or imminent there.”

— Aaron Wilson, Reporter (KPRC 2)

“The Houston Chronicle's Jonathan M. Alexander reported on March 11 that Caserio 'reached out' to Jenkins with a 'competitive' offer to fill the Texans' left guard void in free agency on Tuesday.”

— Jonathan M. Alexander, Reporter (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

The Texans will need to wait and see if the Browns decide to release Wyatt Teller before the 'poison pill' provision in his contract kicks in on March 13, 2026. If Teller becomes available, the Texans will likely pursue him to help solidify their offensive line.

The takeaway

The Texans' pursuit of Wyatt Teller highlights their commitment to improving their offensive line this offseason, even after missing out on other key free agent targets like Elgton Jenkins. Acquiring Teller could be a costly move, but it would give them a proven Pro Bowl guard to anchor their line.