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EspañolWith the Cleveland Browns trying to decide on their quarterback of the future, the team made a move Monday aimed at helping whoever winds up getting the job heading into 2026. The team reportedly acquired right tackle Tytus Howard in a trade with the Houston Texans and immediately signed Howard to a three-year, $63 million extension, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Howard, 29, has started 93 games over his seven-year career. In exchange for Howard, the Texans are reportedly receiving a fifth-round pick.
Sources: The #Texans and #Browns have agreed to terms on a trade to send starting RT Tytus Howard to Cleveland in exchange for a fifth-round pick.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 2, 2026
Much-needed OL help. Plus, Howard gets a new 3-year, $63M extension in a deal done by @malkikawa and Ethan Lock of @FirstRoundMgmt. pic.twitter.com/3X2PprFIjN
A former first-round pick by the Texans, Howard showed strong skills as a rookie, starting every game in which he was healthy before an injury ended his season. He performed well enough that he was named to the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team.
Howard has served as a consistent starter with the Texans since then. While he's dealt with various injuries, he hasn't missed a ton of time, starting at least 14 games in five of his seven seasons in the NFL.
Howard didn't grade out particularly well in Pro Football Focus' metrics in 2025. The offensive lineman ranked 58th at his position. Notably, however, he also did not allow a sack, per PFF's numbers.
The Browns could use more help on their offensive line. With the team likely to start either a new rookie or a developing, second-year player, Cleveland has every incentive to build its offensive line to give its young quarterback more time to see the field. The team allowed 51 sacks in 2025, which ranked as the eighth worst in the NFL.
After parting ways with Kevin Stefanski in the offseason, the Browns hired former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken. The 60-year-old Monken hasn't indicated which player will start at quarterback in 2026. If the team doesn't draft a prospect in the early rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft, Monken could go with second-year players Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel, or turn to veteran Deshaun Watson under center.