The Cleveland Browns enter the offseason desperately needing offensive line help, with four Week 1 starters and Cam Robinson set to hit free agency, and Dawand Jones recovering from a season-ending injury. Jack Conklin is not expected to return, while Wyatt Teller bid farewell in February, and Ethan Pocic is recovering from a torn Achilles. Lastly, Joel Bitonio had his void date moved to March 11, giving him additional time to consider retirement, a return to Cleveland, or signing with another team. Because of this, the offensive line could feature five new starters next season.
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The Browns are set to make their first big move of the offseason.
The Cleveland Browns are set to land a versatile blocker while giving him a Top-6 salary
Houston Texans, Juice Scruggs
Oct 20, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Houston Texans offensive tackle Tytus Howard (71) warms up before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
According to Ian Rapoport, the Cleveland Browns are set to acquire Tytus Howard from the Houston Texans in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick, with the deal being finalized at the start of the new league year. As a result, the front office signed the versatile offensive lineman to a three-year, $63 million extension, making him the sixth-highest-paid right tackle. The Browns were originally set to inherit the final year of Howard’s contract, worth $18 million, but instead gave him a long-term deal.
Sources: The #Texans and #Browns have agreed to terms on a trade to send starting RT Tytus Howard to Cleveland in exchange for a fifth-round pick.
Much-needed OL help. Plus, Howard gets a new 3-year, $63M extension in a deal done by @malkikawa and Ethan Lock of @FirstRoundMgmt. pic.twitter.com/3X2PprFIjN
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 2, 2026
Howard has played four offensive line positions, excluding center, during his seven-year NFL career. He prefers to play right tackle, his natural position. Given his recent extension, he probably remains at right tackle, but they might expect him to fill in at left guard at times.
Here’s a quick review of his 2025 campaign
Houston Texans, Tytus Howard
Jun 14, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans offensive lineman Tytus Howard (71) stretches at minicamp at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Tytus Howard spent most of training camp at right guard and ultimately started three different positions in 2025. He opened the season at right guard before returning to his natural position from Weeks 2-9. After returning to right guard in Week 11, he reverted to left guard for Weeks 12-16, then started again at right tackle in Weeks 17 and 18. Howard started at left guard in the Wild Card before sliding to right tackle in the Divisional Round. He finished the season allowing a 3.7% pressure rate, 25 hurries, and one quarterback hit across 18 starts.