Browns Bolster Offensive Line with Trade for Tytus Howard

The Cleveland Browns have taken a significant step to enhance their offensive line by trading for starting right tackle Tytus Howard from the Houston Texans. The agreement, confirmed by a league source, involves the Browns sending a fifth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to Houston. This trade, announced on March 2, 2026, represents a proactive effort by General Manager Andrew Berry, who previously indicated that the Bears’ approach to improving their offensive line would serve as a model for the Browns.

Howard, who has started all 93 games he played for the Texans since being drafted in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, is expected to bolster a struggling offensive line. He made 16 starts in both the 2024 and 2025 seasons. The transaction will not be finalized until the start of the 2026 league year on March 11, as per NFL regulations.

The pick being sent to the Texans—overall pick 139—was originally acquired from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for quarterback Kenny Pickett. This strategic move follows a challenging season for the Browns, who ranked among the league’s lowest in offensive performance, finishing tied for 29th in rushing yards per carry with an average of just 3.9 yards. Additionally, the team allowed 53 sacks last season and recorded only 10 rushing touchdowns.

As the Browns work to improve their offensive line, they are also facing a potential overhaul in their roster. Key players such as left tackle Cam Robinson, left guard Joel Bitonio, center Ethan Pocic, right guard Wyatt Teller, and right tackle Jack Conklin are all set to become free agents. Bitonio, a cornerstone of the line since being drafted in 2014, is currently weighing his future with the team and is expected to announce his decision by March 10.

Browns’ head coach Todd Monken expressed his desire to retain Bitonio, highlighting the player’s importance not only in talent but also in leadership. “I’m for really good football players that are wired like Joel,” Monken stated during a press conference at the NFL Combine.

Howard, who stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 322 pounds, is entering the final year of his contract with the Texans. The Browns are poised to extend his contract for an additional three years at a total of $63 million once the trade becomes official.

Reflecting on his move to Cleveland, Howard expressed gratitude for his time in Houston and enthusiasm for the new opportunity. “I appreciate the support over the last seven years… I’m excited to go to Cleveland and turn the city up and help change the program and win some games,” he told KPRC, a Houston television station.

The Browns now hold a total of nine draft picks following this trade, including picks 6, 24, 39, 70, 107, 145, 148, 245, and 248. This offers the franchise a unique opportunity to continue reshaping their roster in a bid for improved performance in the upcoming season.