Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) stands on the field with Houston Texans offensive tackle Titus Howard (71), offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil (78), and wide receiver Brandin Cooks (right) after the game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images Houston Texans offensive lineman Tytus Howard is set to be traded to the Cleveland Browns in a deal that may not be officially implemented until the start of the new NFL league year on March 11.
Howard, 29, started games at three positions for Houston last season. He made 93 career starts over seven seasons with the Texans, spending time at left guard, right guard, and right tackle.
“I’m not surprised” about the deal, Howard told KPRC2. “They’re trying to get younger and give some guys a run for their money. I’m not mad. I kind of knew that was going to happen.”
Howard is good friends with former Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, one of the few players involved in a trade between these franchises in recent seasons. Howard was drafted 23rd overall out of Alabama in 2019. Watson was traded to the Browns in 2020.
ESPN reported that the Howard trade would involve the Browns parting ways with a fifth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He is expected to sign a three-year contract extension. According to multiple reports, Howard’s new deal could be worth up to $63 million in Cleveland.
The Browns have only one starter on the offensive line under contract in 2026, tackle Dawand Jones, who is recovering from a season-ending knee injury in Week 3. Jones, 25, has yet to complete a full season. He suffered season-ending knee and ankle injuries in his first season. In 2025, he was placed on IR with a lateral collateral ligament injury. His hamstring was torn from the bone. But general manager Andrew Berry said at the NFL Scouting Combine last week that Jones is expected to be ready for training camp.
Last spring, the Texans traded starting left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders to start the league year. They also completed a deal with the Browns involving offensive tackle Cam Robinson, who was acquired by Cleveland last season due to significant injury issues on an aging offensive line. Robinson is a free agent.
–Field level media
