Former Cleveland Browns guard Wyatt Teller is heading to the Houston Texans.
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Former Cleveland Browns guard Wyatt Teller is heading to the Houston Texans.
Wyatt Teller has found a new home.
The former Cleveland Browns Pro Bowl guard has signed a two-year deal with the Houston Texans, bringing a close to his first foray into free agency.
Teller was one of the top offensive guards available and joins a Texans team that finished 12-5 last season. Houston was bounced in the Divisional Round by the New England Patriots.
Teller had spent his previous seven seasons with the Browns. He arrived in 2019 via a trade from the Buffalo Bills. Teller made an impact as a mauling blocker up front and opposite of perennial Pro Bowler Joel Bitonio. He made three Pro Bowls and was twice named a second-team All-Pro.
Teller appeared in 13 games last season, but his role shifted down the stretch as he began splitting reps with Teven Jenkins. Teller didn’t shy away from the demotion, owning that he needed to improve.
“Probably along the lines of not playing well enough — I feel like that’s obvious,” Teller said. “There’s a lot of stuff, as a personal player, I need to improve on.”
Wyatt Teller Bid Emotional Goodbye to Browns
Teller, 31, was a popular name at the trade deadline but the Browns hung on to him. He made it clear then that he’d like to remain in Cleveland for the rest of his career. However, Teller announced earlier this offseason that he would be moving on in free agency.
“I wish things were different and this is hard to put into words. When Buffalo traded me to Cleveland seven years ago, I never could have imagined how much this city would mean to me,” Teller wrote in a note shared on social media. “Ultimately, the Browns took a chance on me that changed the trajectory of my life forever.
“I’ve made friendships and connections on and off the field that will last far beyond the game of football. Our family is so blessed and grateful for everyone in Northeast Ohio who has supported and loved us these past seven years. While we are excited and look forward to what the future holds, Cleveland will always have a special place in our hearts. As always… Go Browns!”
Browns Continue to Rebuild Offensive Line
The Browns had nearly their entire offensive line enter free agency. However, it’s been the team’s primary focus early this offseason, as they bring in multiple pieces to rebuild the unit.
The Browns continued reshaping their offensive line, trading for Texans tackle Tytus Howard and adding guards Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins — a versatile piece with the flexibility to move across the line.
“You got a lot of young pieces. If you watch the tape and saw Cleveland last year, they were in a lot of games. And I feel like by me coming here and some other guys who were brought in coming here, us being able to protect and open some lanes up front, we can help the team get to the next hump,” Howard said. “The core pieces are already here. You just got to add a couple more and this team can be a really good team.”
Cleveland also re-signed Jenkins, who saw an increased workload as he rotated in for Teller last year. The Browns are still awaiting word on whether or not Joel Bitonio will return for a 13th season in Cleveland.