Texans Receive Strong Praise After Landing ‘Steal’ in Free Agency

For the second straight offseason, Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio remade the offensive line, albeit to a lesser extent than last offseason. However, the quality of the Texans’ moves, particularly in free agency with Braden Smith, has drawn lofty praise.

More notably, the praise comes amid a comparison to one of the team’s most polarizing decisions this offseason.

The Texans surely hope their decision pays off on the field.

Texans Draw Praise Over Landing Braden Smith in Free Agency

GettyBraden Smith #72 of the Indianapolis Colts lines up against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport listed Smith’s signing with the Texans among the “10 biggest steals” from the first official week of free agency.

In Davenport’s estimation, it offset their trade sending out their previous top O-lineman, Tytus Howard, who the Texans traded to the Cleveland Browns. It also upgraded the offensive line in front of quarterback C.J. Stroud.

“Over an eight-year career spent entirely with the Indianapolis Colts, Braden Smith established himself as one of the better right tackles in the NFL. His level of play in 2025 wasn’t the same as in his heyday, but Smith allowed just one sack in over 750 snaps per Pro Football Focus,” Davenport wrote on March 13. “The Texans essentially swapped out Tytus Howard (who was traded to Cleveland for a fifth-round pick in this year’s draft) for a better player making less money—while adding a pick.

“Not bad. Not bad at all.”

Smith inked a two-year, $20 million contract with the Texans. His arrival pushes 2025 starter Trent Brown to a reserve role, along with 2024 second-round pick Blake Fisher.

Smith is expected to start at right tackle. There was a thought he could also get a look at guard during the offseason program and training camp. The uncertainty underscores that the Texans’ offensive line was still a work in progress even with Smith in the fold.

Stroud cut his sack rate from 2024 to 2025.

The Texans’ offensive line struggled in pass protection and run blocking this past season, leading to a need for potential upgrades like Smith. Howard is a significant loss, though.

Texans Fill ‘Top’ Need in Free Agency

GettyEvan Brown #63 of the Arizona Cardinals runs onto the field before a game against the Seattle Seahawks.

The Athletic’s Mike Jones called the offensive line the Texans’ “top need” following the opening week of free agency, which saw them re-sign starting right guard Ed Ingram in addition to Brown and signing Smith.

Jones projected Smith would indeed take over at right tackle, which still leaves a “hole at left guard.”

Jones noted Jarrett Patterson could get another look, or Houston could look elsewhere.

The Texans may have addressed that, too, signing former Arizona Cardinals starter Evan Brown in free agency on Saturday. The uncertainty is due to Brown’s experience at center and guard. Houston has been linked to both positions in free agency this offseason.

The Texans await the 2026 draft with options up front and flexibility throughout their roster to target the best player available rather than a particular position.

Trading Howard looms large for the Texans, who have been diligent to replace him and more.

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