Tytus Howard set to be traded by Houston Texans to Cleveland Browns for fifth-round pick
This trade signals aggressive action from the Cleveland Browns as they aim to improve protection and open running lanes.
The NFL offseason kicked off with a notable offensive line shakeup as the Houston Texans agreed to trade veteran lineman Tytus Howard to the Cleveland Browns. The deal, set to become official when the new league year begins on March 11, sends Howard to Cleveland in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick.
Howard, who turns 30 in May, has agreed to a three-year, $63 million extension with Cleveland upon the completion of the trade. This deal keeps him under contract through the 2029 season and provides immediate stability at a key position.
Tytus Howard's form
Tytus Howard has been a reliable starter for Houston Texans since being drafted in the first round in 2019. He played right tackle early in his career before shifting to left guard last season, providing solid protection on the line.
Howard has started 93 games over seven seasons, including all 16 in each of the last two years. His consistency and versatility make him a valuable addition as the Cleveland Browns look to rebuild their struggling offensive front.
Houston Texans clear cap space
Tytus Howard, entering the final year of his contract, was slated to count nearly $28 million against Houston Texans' salary cap this season, including an $18 million base in salary and bonuses. By moving him, the Texans will gain flexibility to address other roster needs or extensions. The team had previously dismissed rumours about trading quarterback CJ Stroud, signalling their commitment to building around him.
Cleveland Browns bolster protection
For the Cleveland Browns, who face free agency with six offensive linemen, acquiring Howard marks a key step in rebuilding their front. The extension locks in the 29-year-old for four more seasons, offering stability at tackle.
Cleveland's line has been a weak point, contributing to offensive inconsistencies. Adding a battle-tested tackle like Howard provides a foundation for new head coach Todd Monken's scheme. The extension, which includes $45 million in new money, reflects the Browns' commitment to securing reliable protection for their quarterback.
Looking ahead
This trade signals aggressive action from the Cleveland Browns as they aim to improve protection and open running lanes. Fans in Cleveland will watch closely to see if more moves follow in free agency and the NFL draft.
About the Author
Aachal Maniyar is a Senior Content Producer at LiveMint, where she covers US sports with a focus on major leagues, marquee events, and athlete-driven stories, while also reporting extensively on cricket and global sports. With over five years of first-hand journalism experience, she combines sharp editorial judgment with real-time sports storytelling across platforms. <br><br> Her reporting journey spans leading newsrooms including Thomson Reuters, India TV, BTVI, ET NOW, and CNBC TV18, where she has worked across breaking news, live match coverage, feature writing, interviews, video scripting, and anchoring. This multi-platform exposure has shaped her ability to deliver context-rich sports and business journalism tailored for both television and digital audiences. <br><br> Aachal has conducted and produced exclusive interviews with athletes and public figures such as India cricketer Dhruv Jurel, Indian women’s hockey captain Savita Punia, and industrialist Ratan Tata, along with several emerging and established sports personalities. Her body of work includes in-depth explainers, athlete profiles, emotionally resonant fan narratives, and data-backed match analysis across cricket, Olympic sports, and international competitions. <br><br> She holds a Master’s degree in Journalism from Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune, and believes in reporting that is grounded in accuracy, clarity, and credibility. Her philosophy is simple: sports journalism should go beyond scores and statistics, capturing the human stories, pressure moments, and decisions that shape the game and the people who play it.
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