
The Cleveland Browns traded for offensive lineman Tytus Howard from the Houston Texans, sending a Day 3 draft pick in return. Howard received a two-year, $45 million extension as part of the deal.
Mentioned in this story
BEREA, OHIO - APRIL 21: Tytus Howard #71 of the Cleveland Browns runs a drill during a voluntary veteran minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on April 21, 2026 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Looking to upgrade their offensive line this offseason, the Cleveland Browns made the interesting move to trade for Houston Texans offensive lineman Tytus Howard, sending a Day 3 draft pick back in return.
Clevelandās offensive line was going to see quite the overhaul this offseason with six free agents. Jack Conklin, Wyatt Teller, Joel Bitonio, Cam Robinson, Ethan Pocic, and Cornelius Lucas are all out the door.
In return, the Browns made a couple of free agency signings, landing Elgton Jenkins and Teven Jenkins, but their most notable move was acquiring Howard, who received a two-year, $45 million extension as a part of the trade.
With the 2026 NFL Draft here, letās evaluate the trade and see what both sides got.
Howard was a part of the inconsistent Texans offensive line, seeing action at left guard (402 snaps), right guard (132 snaps), and right tackle (628 snaps). In 2025, he ranked in the 24th percentile in pass block win rate and the 31st percentile in run block win rate at tackle last year, according to ESPN.
The year before? The results werenāt much better.
At this stage, Howardās biggest key is his availability (heās played in 16 games the last two years) and versatility (seeing snaps at both guard and tackle). Heās just been below average when on the field over the past few seasons.
The Browns sent a Day 3 draft pick to the Texans in exchange for Tytus Howard.
Tytus Howard received a two-year, $45 million contract extension as part of the trade.
The Browns aimed to upgrade their offensive line, which was undergoing significant changes with multiple free agents leaving.


Rotherham United and Reading draw 1-1; player ratings revealed.
Dallas Cowboys select LT Overton in the 2026 NFL Draft

Islam Makhachev responds to Ian Garry's title shot calls: 'Iām ready at any time'
Bayern Munich's coach gives a halftime pep talk, leading to a stunning 4-3 victory over Mainz 05.
See every story in Sports ā including breaking news and analysis.
At the time, this one was a bit of a headscratcher from the Browns. They needed offensive line depth, but Iām not sure Howard was the answer.
Not only are they taking on the $17.5 million heās owed in 2025, but they also gave him a two-year, $45 million extension on top of that. Thatās quite a lot of money for a player who hasnāt been that good over the past few seasons.
The Texans offensive line hasnāt been great, and they were willing to part ways with Howard in need of better blockers. To get a fifth-round pick in return is a solid deal for them.
The Browns need bodies and they have ample draft capital, so the loss of a fifth-rounder doesnāt hurt them too bad. But still, this trade is a questionable one, given the player theyāre acquiring.
We will update when the pick is made.