The Houston Texans have a renewed need for offensive line help, thanks to their trade sending Tytus Howard to the Cleveland Browns. However, the planning phase is likely further along than this deal might otherwise suggest.
Texans general manager Nick Caserio has been aggressive in the past, and he recently openly touted that track record.
Caserio showed his mettle with the Howard trade, and he might just be getting started.
Tytus Howard Sends Clear Message After Texans Trade
GettyTytus Howard #71 of the Houston Texans takes the field before a game against the Tennessee Titans
The Texans drafted Howard, selecting him with the 23rd overall pick of the 2019 draft. Howard was the Texans’ longest-tenured draft pick, and only kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn had been on the roster longer. Howard started all 93 games played with the Texans, and at multiple positions.
Despite his time spent and flexibility shown, Howard was not caught off guard by his trade.
“I wasn’t surprised,” Howard told KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson after the deal. “They’re trying to get younger and pay some guys. I ain’t mad. I kind of knew it was going to happen.”
Caserio also spoke candidly about Howard, who was entering the final year of his contract before receiving an extension from the Browns, at the 2026 combine. Caserio also remained coy regarding Howard’s future, just as he has with most of the Texans’ players.
He also said Howard’s flexibility was invaluable and had played a lot of good football.
“We’ve got a lot of players in a similar situation, going into the last year, so just trying to figure out, ‘Alright, what does that look like moving forward? What makes the most sense?’ So kind of take it case by case, kind of take it one day at a time,” Caserio said, per The Houston Chronicle’s Sam Warren on March 2. “He’s a good player. So, we’ll kind of see how it all works itself out.”
Even when considering the financial ramifications, Caserio’s decision to trade Howard and create another need for the Texans stands out in light of his description of a player coming off his best season as a pro.
Taking advantage of a player’s value being at its peak can be a good thing, though.
Texans Set Stage for Active Trade Window
GettyHouston Texans general manager Nick Caserio speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
Caserio also spoke about his tendency to trade as the Texans’ GM, with multiple deals during last year’s cycle.
Their early moves this season–trading Howard and, now, Juice Scruggs to the Detroit Lions for draft compensation and David Montgomery–could be setting the stage for a much bigger splash this offseason.
With several additional mid-round picks, the Texans are poised to make at least a mild jump up.
“We’re picking 28th right now. That could change, knowing our track record,” Caserio said on “The Pat McAfee Show” on February 26, noting that they try to factor in a prospect’s potential role with the club and even that they will move on if there is a discrepancy.
“We try to take it case-by-case. So, we’ll deal with free agency. And then, once we get through free agency, take a little Snapshot of the team. And then, once we get to the draft, honestly, we’re just picking the best players that we feel are going to help us over the course of our program.”
The Texans will certainly be addressing their offensive line this offseason. Their recent dealings likely mean another trade, free agency, and the draft to flesh out the group.
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