HOUSTON \u2013 The Texans traded a cornerstone of their offensive line for the second year in a row.<\/p>\n
One year after trading five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders, the Texans have agreed to trade versatile starting offensive lineman Tytus Howard to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick, per league sources.<\/p>\n
He is signing a three-year, $63 million extension with $45 million in new money and an average per year of $21 million in new money, per a league sources. Howard is coming off a strong season. He allowed a 4.8 percent pressure rate, according to Next Gen Stats.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wasn\u2019t surprised,\u201d Howard told KPRC 2 in a telephone interview following the trade after the NFL scouting combine. \u201cThey\u2019re trying to get younger and pay some guys. I ain\u2019t mad. I kind of knew it was going to happen.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Texans are expected to use a combination of free agency and the NFL draft to overhaul their offensive line. The expectation is they will prioritize the offensive line and attempt to upgrade it through several methods. Without Howard, they\u2019ve let go of a valuable blocker, though.<\/p>\n
It won\u2019t be an inexpensive undertaking to replace Howard. Plus, the Texans would ideally keep free agent guard Ed Ingram after his best season. Texans general manager Nick Caserio praised Ingram, who thrived after being acquired in a trade from the Minnesota Vikings.<\/p>\n
The trade sheds Howard\u2019s salary from his three-year, $56 million deal that was restructured last year, but creates $23.6 million in dead money for a net cap savings of $4.2 million.<\/p>\n
The Texans have a lot of big contracts to address this offseason, including All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr. Anderson could become the highest paid defensive player in the game potentially, if not one of the highest in average compensation.<\/p>\n
Howard can play right tackle or left tackle and is a former first-round draft pick from Alabama State.<\/p>\n
Howard has started 93 career games. He\u2019ll celebrate his 30th birthday in May. <\/p>\n
He started at right tackle, right guard and left guard last season. The Texans\u2019 pass protection improved markedly last season as quarterback C.J. Stroud was sacked a career-low 23 times.<\/p>\n
A year ago, the Texans traded offensive tackle Cam Robinson to the Browns. So, now, Texans general manager Nick Caserio and Browns general manager Andrew Berry have conducted some more offensive line business.<\/p>\n
Howard leaves Houston with a legacy for versatility and willingness to play any position and community involvement.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just appreciate the support over the last seven years,\u201d Howard said to KPRC 2. \u201cI\u2019ll always be a Texan forever. I\u2019m excited to go to Cleveland and turn the city up and help change the program and win some games.\u201d<\/p>\n