Aireontae Ersery, Houston Texans
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Aireontae Ersery #79 of the Houston Texans warms up before facing the Carolina Panthers.
The Houston Texans selected former Minnesota Golden Gophers offensive lineman Aireontae Ersery with the No. 48 overall pick of the 2025 draft. His versatility always figured to allow him to take over a spot along the starting front five at some point. That point could be Week 1.
The Texans are set to explore their trade options with veteran left tackle Cam Robinson. They signed Robinson to a one-year, $12 million contract in free agency this offseason.
Robinson suffered an injury that sidelined him in training camp, opening the door for Ersery.
“A name to watch today: Texans LT Cam Robinson, whom the team has discussed trading, per sources,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on X on August 26. “Rookie Aireontae Ersery has impressed this summer and looks ready to man the Texans’ left tackle position.”
thought that Aireontae Ersery (#79) put together a solid couple of preseason performances at LT for the Texans.
for an OL desperately needing to improve, a 2nd round pick being even "OK" at the blindside would be huge for a team trying to make a run. pic.twitter.com/rfJVi7NVc7
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) August 19, 2025
The Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander urged the Texans to make the change from Robinson to Ersery permanent ahead of the preseason finale.
Their rumored trade interest only bolstered that stance.
“Teams value LTs at any level and Robinson is a starting caliber player,” Alexander posted on X on August 26, quoting Schefter’s report. “Unfortunate for him when he got that injury in WV that Ersery shined at LT in his place.”
Aireonae Ersery’s Rapid Rise on Texans’ Depth Chart Good News for C.J. Stroud
C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans smiles before facing the Carolina Panthers.
Ersery and Robinson were part of a concerted effort to revamp the Texans’ offensive line. C.J. Stroud absorbed the second-most sacks in the league, and the Texans tied for the third-most as a team, during the 2024 regular season.
Ersery has spoken openly about his commitment to protecting his quarterback. Stroud has praised the rookie’s progress.
Likewise, the Texans are “excited” about Ersery’s future.
C.J. Stroud says rookie left tackle Aireontae Ersery has done a great job in pass protection, but has taken a step forward in the run game. pic.twitter.com/eVdLEitJWy
— SportsRadio 610 (@SportsRadio610) August 24, 2025
“The Texans are extremely excited about the vast potential of massive, talented rookie left tackle Aireontae Ersery,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson wrote on August 26. “They are expected [to] go with him as their new starting left tackle as the replacement for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil, who was traded in the offseason to the Washington Commanders.”
Ersery was the Texans’ fourth-worst tackle in run blocking, but he was their highest-graded pass protector at the position, per Pro Football Focus.
Cam Robinson’s Days With Texans Numbered
Cam Robinson, Houston Texans
GettyCam Robinson #74 of the Minnesota Vikings sits on the bench during the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Ersery’s ascension does not mean the Texans have to trade Robinson, but their overhauled offensive line has a new look, with Laken Tomlinson, Jake Andrews, Ed Ingram, and Tytus Howard manning the other four spots.
Wilson believes exploring trade options with Robinson “makes sense.” He named the Atlanta Falcons as a potential suitor amid the loss of LT Kaleb McGary.
Despite league-wide interest, nothing is “imminent,” per Wilson.
“The #Texans could get good value for him,” Alexander said in a post on X on August 26. “I could see something as a high as a 5th rounder. Or at the least, that’s what they would likely aim for.”
When talking about Cam Robinson returning from injury, DeMeco Ryans highlights that “for the veteran guys, it doesn’t take long to catch up.”
This can be applicable to if/when Joe Mixon returns. pic.twitter.com/MfJ2gRG6SB
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) August 21, 2025
“Tradeable contract for #Texans tackle Cam Robinson. Although max value of $14.5M, $2M guaranteed base salary, and most $ was in $8.75M signing bonus,” Wilson posted on X on August 26. “Up to $1.25M in per game active roster bonuses, a $500K playtime incentive clause.
“$2M not likely to be earned Pro Bowl, playtime incentive clauses.”
Robinson has started all 101 games that he has played in his career. His time with the Texans could end early due to his unfortunate injury, but also the strong play of the rookie, Ersery.