Tytus Howard, Houston Texans
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Tytus Howard #71 of the Houston Texans on the field during a game against the Los Angeles Rams
The Houston Texans have aggressively embarked on their offseason plan to remake their offensive line, making a pair of trades sending out two of their own former draft picks, including roster stalwart Tytus Howard.
A first-round pick in 2019, Howard was one of the longest-tenured members of the team.
Howard will call a new city home for the first time in his NFL career, but he could not move on without a parting message for his former city and organization.
Tytus Howard Sends Message After Texans Trade
Tytus Howard, Houston Texans
GettyTytus Howard #71 of the Houston Texans takes the field against the Las Vegas Raiders at NRG Stadium on December 21, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Howard told KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson after the trade that he was not surprised by the Texans’ decision. That does not mean it did not hit him hard. Howard poured his heart out about the Texans and the city of Houston on social media.
“I want to thank the city of Houston for embracing me and welcoming me for the last 7 years. nrg stadium felt like home from day one, and the love and support from this city meant everything to me,” Howard posted on Instagram on March 4, including ownership, the organization, and his former teammates.
“Houston, you’ll always have a piece of my heart. thank you for the memories. excited for the next chapter in Cleveland!”
Howard leaves a gaping void along an already porous Texans offensive line.
He started all 93 of the games that he played for the club, including 16 starts in each of the past two seasons. Pro Football Focus graded Howard as the Texans’ third-best starter behind pending free agents Ed Ingram and Trent Brown.
The Texans also traded Juice Scruggs to the Detroit Lions in a deal that yielded running back David Montgomery.
Texans React to Trade
Aireontae Ersery, Houston Texans
GettyAireontae Ersery #79 of the Houston Texans takes the field before the AFC Divisional Playoffs against the New England Patriots.
Several of Howard’s former Texans teammates hit up the comment section in response to his farewell message.
Texans cornerback Kamari Lassiter posted a series of emojis, as did left tackle Aireontae Ersery, who selected double bicep flexes. Texans defensive lineman Solomon Byrd called Howard “the realist.”
Linebacker Henry To’oTo’o offered double salute emojis.
Texans offensive lineman Jarrett Patterson said, “gonna miss you bro [face with single tear emoji].”
Tight end Brevin Jordan posted a handshake emoji and said, “My dawg,” while defensive lineman Haggai Ndubuisi posted, “respect,” with his own series of emojis. Tommy Togiai shared saluting and fingers crossed/locked in emojis.
Ingram posted a face with a single tear emoji, too, which could be an indication of his plans.
Kahale Warring, Steven Nelson, and even several media members all flocked to the replies to express sentiments of support for Howard.
“So proud of you baby,” Howard’s wife, Chelsea Howard, posted among the sea of emotional messages for Howard, who also received a three-year, $63 million extension as part of the trade. “Love you so much [heart emoji].
Tytus Howard Deal Creates Bigger Void
Tytus Howard, C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
GettyTytus Howard #71 and C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans look on against the Seattle Seahawks.
That extension was part of the Texans’ decision to trade Howard.
However, they have undoubtedly created even more questions for themselves to answer, despite the financial aspect.
In the wake of the deal, the Texans’ offseason plans have been projected to include multiple offensive linemen, both in the 2026 draft and free agency. It is a massive undertaking and the second straight offseason that position group has been targeted on man levels.