The Cleveland Browns wasted no time addressing their offensive line before the new league year officially begins, agreeing to a trade with the Houston Texans for veteran Tytus Howard.
In exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick, the Browns land a durable starter who has spent the last seven seasons as a fixture in Houston’s lineup. To make the move permanent, Cleveland immediately signed Howard to a three-year, $63-million extension, securing him through 2029 and signaling that he is a central piece of their rebuilding efforts upfront.
This move effectively ends the uncertainty at right tackle, a position that has been hampered by Jack Conklin’s unending string of injuries. Conklin, a two-time All-Pro whose time in Cleveland was defined by both elite play and a difficult battle to stay on the field, is now a free agent, and the Howard acquisition provides the reliability the team has lacked.
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Landing the 29-year old now gives GM Andrew Berry some flexibility in the NFL Draft, specifically the opening two rounds. However, he still needs to find starters at the other four O-line spots. That could be in free agency next week, another trade, as well as the draft…it will likely need to be a combination of all three.
Joel Bitonio postponing retirement for one last hurrah would solve left guard (we’ll know that answer by March 13th), and the often injured Luke Wypler could be the solution at center, if he’s healthy. Young vets like Dawand Jones and Zach Zinter will surely compete for playing time, but cannot be relied on as sure things.
Despite all that, the Howard trade does give Cleveland the ability to maneuver with their initial three picks (No. 6, 24, and 39). There’s no elite level natural LT worthy of a top-six selection, but with right tackle solved it gives Berry a chance to go best player available.
Does that mean Ohio State’s top ranked wide receiver Carnell Tate is the pick to give the Browns struggling offense a top tier playmaker? Or could fans be in for a shocker as one of several defensive game-changers names are called at sixth overall?
Depending on that first choice, Berry can swing back and grab an OT (like Monroe Freeling or Caleb Lomu), a WR (such as Denzel Boston or Malachai Fields), or a sliding star on defense in the next wave at No. 24.
The second round pick then really opens up. The red-headed mullet Combine sensation Gennings Dunker has played tackle, but seems better suited for guard at the pro level, would be a phenomenal selection that would further solidify Cleveland’s front. USC receiver Ja’Kobi Lane was a stat monster in Indianapolis (6’4”, 40” vertical, 4.47-second 40) is another option at No. 39 if Berry decides to not take a wideout in Round 1.
This one trade has expanded the Browns opportunities for talent come April’s draft. Let’s see what Berry has up his sleeve next.
