The Houston Texans played the game just as general manager Nick Caserio always has in free agency, striking on Day 2 of free agency with a deal for Braden Smith.
Much of the scrutiny the Texans have faced this offseason stems from their moves regarding a maligned offensive line. They traded one starter, as well as a reserve, and their moves to retain right side starters Ed Ingram and Trent Brown are also polarizing.
However, the Texans had a bit of an ace up their sleeves.
Texans Add Colts’ Braden Smith in Free Agency
GettyBraden Smith #72 of the Indianapolis Colts blocks Josh Allen #41 of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“Former Colts T Braden Smith is signing with the Houston Texans on a two-year deal, sources tell The Athletic,” The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported on X on March 10.
Smith, who turns 30 on March 25, was the 37th overall pick by the Colts in 2015. He was the 19th-best free agent overall and the third-best tackle among pending free agents, per The Athletic’s Daniel Popper.
Smith has been a starter from Day 1, logging 105 starts in 107 games.
“He is a short-armed tackle who wins in pass protection as a polished technician,” Popper wrote in February. “Smith plays with outstanding posture, balance and leverage. He smothers momentum once he gets his hands on a rusher and has impressive upper-body strength. Smith has some limitations as a run blocker, lacking consistency when working downhill. But he is a solid mover who can be effective on outside-zone runs.”
Smith was coming off a two-year, $20 million pact with the Colts, and he has earned $69.4 million in his career.
Smith’s addition will have a significant ripple effect on the rest of the offensive line and roster.
Texans Shuffling Offensive Line
GettyJake Andrews #60 of the Houston Texans takes the field during player introductions before a game against the Tennessee Titans.
Smith’s addition to the Texans is fitting. Much was made about the Texans’ inactivity in bringing in outside players to upgrade their front five.
They re-signed Ingram, who is coming off a breakout season, and Brown, who battled injuries to start and finish the campaign. The Texans also traded former second-round pick Juice Scruggs, and they were expected to explore the center market in free agency.
Smith’s addition almost certainly pushes Brown to the bench.
That would leave the Texans with holes at left guard and the pivot, but there was an encouraging update for Jake Andrews on that front, too.
“It’s Caserio’s position to buy stock when it has dropped, meaning he’ll be more active in the following days when the prices for some players go down,” The Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander wrote on March 10. That’s likely why the Texans didn’t agree to any deals with a center on the first day.
“The Texans are not committed to signing a center because offensive line coach Cole Popovich likes center Jake Andrews, who started 16 games last year.”
Alexander said the draft is the most likely strategy at center for the Texans.
That would mean Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud could have two new starters, and possibly three, up front in 2026. It takes time for the offensive line to gel, so the Texans will surel want to finalize their plan sooner rather than later.
Texans Raid Colts for $69 Million ‘Polished Technician’ in Free Agency