Tytus Howard #71 of the Houston Texans was traded to the Cleveland Browns
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Tytus Howard #71 of the Houston Texans was traded to the Cleveland Browns
On Monday, the Cleveland Browns took their first step toward rebuilding their offensive line when they made a deal with the Titans for veteran tackle/guard Tytus Howard, acquiring him for a fifth-round pick. Of course, it was not just the fifth-round pick that was at issue–Howard was also in need of a new contract, and the Browns came through with what was reported as a three-year, $63 million extension.
That, presumably, includes the 2026 cap hit of around $18 million that is already on the deal. Spotrac’s market value algorithm had predicted Howard to warrant a $20.1 million per year contract this offseason, so in that light, the move for Howard is pretty much in line with projections, and considering the Browns’ desperation to fill out a line that came into the offseason entirely made up of pending free agents, this trade appeared to be a competent way to get a jump on the process of adding five new players up front.
We’ll likely know, too, within a week what star guard Joel Bitonio will do–he is weighing retirement, a return to the Browns, or a contract elsewhere in the league.
While the Howard move seemed like an easy win for the Browns … not everyone agreed on that.
Browns Net a D-Plus for Tytus Howard Trade
At ESPN, the Browns’ move for Howard was viewed as tantamount to a disaster. Analyst Seth Walder slapped a D-plus on the Browns for the Howard move.
Walder’s review of Howard was sharp, and he claimed the Browns made things worse with his contract: “Howard ranked in the 24th percentile in pass block win rate at tackle and the 31st percentile in run block win rate at tackle last season. He was also below average in both in 2024. … So the Browns are likely getting a below-average starter. And he isn’t cheap.”
Indeed, Howard’s run-blocking grades are a concern. He did allow zero sacks last season in Houston, and it is worth noting that he was forced to bounce around because of injuries on the Texans‘ line–he played left guard, right guard and right tackle for significant stretches.
Second Opinion Favors Browns Decision
Also worth noting: If you want a second opinion on the Browns’ trade for Howard, CBS Sports handed it an A, noting that the team had three fifth-round picks on hand, so the asset cost for getting Howard was limited.
CBS also pointed out that around the NFL, there is a massive need for offensive linemen but a limited market in terms of players. So getting ahead of the market and paying a fair value to a player who has starting experience is a good thing for the Browns. CBS noted adding Howard brings, “a veteran that plays in several different spots before free agency and the draft is a good move. Obviously the work is not done, but Howard is a good start.”
Tytus Howard ‘Excited to Go to Cleveland’
Also important to remember is that, once free agency starts, the market can dry up quickly and for a team like the Browns, coming off eight wins in two seasons, there is little incentive for veterans who want to be in the playoffs to sign. Bad teams typically have to pay extra to draw free agents. Trading for Howard helped the Browns avoid the need to overpay.
And Howard said he was happy with the move.
“They’re trying to get younger and pay some guys,” he said, via Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 in Houston. “I ain’t mad. I kind of knew it was going to happen. … I just appreciate the support over the last seven years. I’ll always be a Texan forever. I’m excited to go to Cleveland and turn the city up and help change the program and win some games.”