Braden Smith, Houston Texans
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Braden Smith #72 of the Indianapolis Colts lines up against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Houston Texans played the game just as general manager Nick Caserio always has in free agency, striking on Day 2 of free agency with a deal for Braden Smith.
Much of the scrutiny the Texans have faced this offseason stems from their moves regarding a maligned offensive line. They traded one starter, as well as a reserve, and their moves to retain right side starters Ed Ingram and Trent Brown are also polarizing.
However, the Texans had a bit of an ace up their sleeves.
Texans Add Colts’ Braden Smith in Free Agency
“Former Colts T Braden Smith is signing with the Houston Texans on a two-year deal, sources tell The Athletic,” The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported on X on March 10.
Smith, who turns 30 on March 25, was the 37th overall pick by the Colts in 2015. He was the 19th-best free agent overall and the third-best tackle among pending free agents, per The Athletic’s Daniel Popper.
Smith has been a starter from Day 1, logging 105 starts in 107 games.
“He is a short-armed tackle who wins in pass protection as a polished technician,” Popper wrote in February. “Smith plays with outstanding posture, balance and leverage. He smothers momentum once he gets his hands on a rusher and has impressive upper-body strength. Smith has some limitations as a run blocker, lacking consistency when working downhill. But he is a solid mover who can be effective on outside-zone runs.”
Smith was coming off a two-year, $20 million pact with the Colts, and he has earned $69.4 million in his career.
Smith’s addition will have a significant ripple effect on the rest of the offensive line and roster.