Texans' Aireontae Ersery Looks Primed for Breakout Campaign

The second-year tackle could be a major breakout candidate next season.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 12:00am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an offensive lineman's blocking movements, with sharp planes of navy, gray, and orange colors representing the Texans' team colors.Ersery's development as a young tackle is crucial for the Texans' offensive line, with the team making key offseason moves to support his growth.Houston Today

The Houston Texans' offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery is being touted as a potential breakout player for the upcoming season. Veteran tackle Trent Brown has praised Ersery, calling him the 'best rookie tackle' he's seen in a long time. The Texans have also made several offseason upgrades to their offensive line, which should help take some pressure off Ersery and allow him to take a big step forward in his second year.

Why it matters

Ersery's development is crucial for the Texans' offense, as he could solidify the left tackle position and provide strong protection for the team's quarterback. If Ersery can improve on his rookie season numbers and penalties, it would be a major boost for the Texans' offense and help the team take a step forward.

The details

Ersery, a second-round pick in 2025, had a solid rookie season but struggled with penalties and sacks at times. However, with the Texans adding veteran offensive linemen like Wyatt Teller and Braden Smith, as well as re-signing Ed Ingram, the stage is set for Ersery to take a big leap in his second year. Veteran tackle Trent Brown has been high on Ersery, calling him the 'best rookie tackle' he's seen in a long time.

  • Ersery was drafted by the Texans in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
  • Ersery started 15 games for the Texans as a rookie in the 2025 season.

The players

Aireontae Ersery

A second-year offensive tackle for the Houston Texans who is being touted as a potential breakout player for the upcoming season.

Trent Brown

A veteran offensive tackle who has praised Ersery, calling him the 'best rookie tackle' he's seen in a long time.

Wyatt Teller

A veteran offensive guard who the Texans signed this offseason to help bolster their offensive line.

Braden Smith

A veteran offensive tackle who the Texans signed this offseason to help bolster their offensive line.

Ed Ingram

An offensive lineman who the Texans re-signed this offseason after he had a strong 2025 season.

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What they’re saying

“We added more veteran presence into the room. Wyatt Teller, huge addition. I think that addition along with what we have, and him playing aside probably the best rookie tackle I've seen in a long time since myself, Aireontae Ersery, bro.”

— Trent Brown, Veteran Tackle

What’s next

The Texans will look to Ersery to continue developing and solidifying the left tackle position during the upcoming 2026 season.

The takeaway

Ersery's potential breakout season is an exciting prospect for the Texans, as he could emerge as a key building block on their offensive line. The team's offseason moves to improve the line around him should help create the conditions for Ersery to take a big leap forward in his second year.