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The Cleveland Browns have made a decisive move to strengthen their offensive line, agreeing to trade for Houston Texans tackle Tytus Howard. The acquisition gives rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders a major boost in protection as Cleveland looks to stabilize a unit plagued by injuries and inconsistency.
A league source confirmed that the Browns will send one of their fifth-round draft picks to Houston in exchange for Howard. The deal will become official when the new league year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 11.
According to reports, Howard is also expected to sign a new three-year, $63 million extension as part of the agreement. He was previously set to earn $17.5 million in base salary in 2026 under his existing contract with the Texans.
Cleveland is sending the fifth-round selection it acquired from the Las Vegas Raiders in the Kenny Pickett trade. Even after the deal, the Browns still hold nine picks in April's NFL Draft, including two selections in both the first and fifth rounds.
Browns address urgent offensive line needs
The trade comes at a critical time for Cleveland, which desperately needed reinforcements along the offensive front. Injuries decimated the unit last season, leaving only one projected opening-day starter returning for 2026: Dawand Jones. Jones suffered his third season-ending injury in as many years when he tore his lateral collateral ligament and experienced a hamstring avulsion in Week 3.
Other linemen saw time in starting roles but remain question marks heading into the offseason. KT Leveston started seven games, primarily at right tackle, while center Luke Wypler started the final four contests but is recovering from a leg injury suffered in the season finale.
Howard's versatility makes him especially valuable for Cleveland's reshaped roster. During the 2025 season, he started games at three different positions - right tackle, left guard, and right guard. He logged 628 snaps at right tackle, 402 at left guard, and 132 at right guard, including Houston's two playoff games.
That positional flexibility could prove essential for a Browns team looking to build continuity and protect its young quarterback investment.
Veteran presence with proven pedigree from Howard
Howard, who turns 30 in May, brings both size and experience. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 322 pounds, he was originally selected No. 23 overall in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Alabama State. Since entering the league, he has established himself as a reliable starter capable of adjusting to different roles on the line.
For Cleveland, the move signals urgency. Protecting Shedeur Sanders - and creating stability up front - appears to be a top organizational priority. With multiple draft picks still in hand and cap flexibility to manage, the Browns are positioning themselves to compete more effectively in 2026.
If Howard performs to expectations under his new extension, this trade could mark one of the Browns' most impactful offseason decisions.