Browns Sign $63M OT to Protect Shedeur Sanders

Newly acquired Tytus Howard will be tasked with keeping the young QB upright.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 12:37am

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The Cleveland Browns have acquired offensive tackle Tytus Howard from the Houston Texans and signed him to a three-year, $63 million extension. Howard, a former first-round pick, will be responsible for protecting either Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson at quarterback. The Browns had one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL last season, allowing the seventh-most sacks in the league. Howard impressed in Houston, not surrendering a sack in 2025 and allowing just 6 pressures, 25 hurries, and 1 QB hit.

Why it matters

The Browns are hoping Howard's addition will significantly improve their pass protection and give their young quarterback, whether it's Sanders or Watson, a better chance to succeed. Upgrading the offensive line was a clear priority for the team this offseason after struggling mightily in that area last year.

The details

The Browns sent a fifth-round pick to the Texans in exchange for Howard, who they then signed to a three-year, $63 million extension. Howard will be tasked with protecting either Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson at quarterback. Sanders impressed in limited action last season, throwing for 1,400 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions while leading the Browns to a 3-4 record as the starter. Howard, meanwhile, did not surrender a sack in 2025 and allowed just 6 pressures, 25 hurries, and 1 QB hit.

  • The Browns acquired Tytus Howard from the Texans in March 2026.
  • Howard signed a three-year, $63 million extension with the Browns in March 2026.

The players

Tytus Howard

A 29-year-old offensive tackle who was acquired by the Cleveland Browns from the Houston Texans. He signed a three-year, $63 million extension with the Browns.

Shedeur Sanders

The young quarterback for the Cleveland Browns who is expected to compete for the starting job in 2026.

Deshaun Watson

The veteran quarterback for the Cleveland Browns who is also expected to compete for the starting job in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“I met Shedeur when I came in last week. He's a great kid and he has a lot of confidence. I like that in a quarterback. He definitely has the pedigree. He has all the talent in the world. I'm a big fan.”

— Tytus Howard, Offensive Tackle, Cleveland Browns (Newsweek)

The takeaway

The Browns are making a concerted effort to improve their offensive line this offseason after it was one of the worst units in the NFL in 2025. The addition of Tytus Howard, a former first-round pick, should provide a significant boost to their pass protection and give their young quarterback, whether it's Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson, a better chance to succeed.