New RT in a trade
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Guess what knucklehead never saw this and started a new thread about it? Obviously you don't have to guess. I deleted it. All the same, thanks for sharing this Bob.
Here's a couple cut and pastes and my 2 cents at the end:
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/texans-browns-trade-tytus-howard/
The Houston Texans and Cleveland Browns agreed to yet another trade, as general manager Nick Caserio will send versatile offensive tackle Tytus Howard to Cleveland in exchange for a fifth-round pick, per NFL Media. As a part of the deal, the Browns are reportedly signing Howard to a new, three-year, $63 million contract.
The offensive line is the most important group for the Browns to address this offseason. Not only did this unit as a whole struggle in 2025, but all five starters are about to hit free agency with Cam Robinson, Jack Conklin, Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller and Ethan Pocic searching for new deals. No team since 1970 has lost all five starters on the offensive line in the same offseason, according to CBS Sports Research.
Howard could be the replacement for Conklin on the right side of the offensive line. However, he is incredibly versatile, having played at right tackle, right guard and left guard this past season, making this an even better move for the rebuilding Browns.
Howard, who was selected by the Texans with the No. 23 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Alabama State, will turn 30 years old this offseason, but he was Houston's best offensive lineman in 2025. He allowed pressure on just 3.4% of snaps last season, which marked a career best. In seven NFL seasons, he's made 93 starts and played at every spot on the offensive line minus center.
Let's attempt to grade one of the first trades of 2026:
Browns: A
The Browns acquired Cam Robinson from Houston last year, and now take on another Texans tackle. In regards to compensation, a fifth-round pick is what the Browns acquired when trading quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders. Cleveland had three fifth-round picks to spare this offseason, so this was an easy decision. In regards to the new contract, it's warranted for this kind of versatile offensive lineman.
Ian Rapoport reported that one of his main takeaways from conversations at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine was the "unbelievable need for offensive linemen" around the league. Everyone needs offensive linemen -- no team more than the Browns. So scoring a veteran that plays in several different spots before free agency and the draft is a good move. Obviously the work is not done, but Howard is a good start.
Texans: C-
It's fair to assume that money had something to do with this move. Howard had one more year remaining on his contract, and the Texans decided to trade him instead of extending him. This decision frees up cap space for a franchise that is currently over the set number, but it's hard to ignore two things.
The Texans part ways with probably their best offensive lineman. Houston's offensive front was a bottom-six unit, according to PFF. The offensive line is again a major item to address. Even more curious, this marks the second year in a row Houston traded away its best offensive lineman. The Texans traded left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders for a package of picks last March, and now dealt Howard away.
Last but not last:
Here's what Lindy's 2025 Pro Football Preview said about him heading into last season: Versatile leader of the line - could start at Left Guard or even Right Tackle. My take: This seems like a very good get for the Browns...
Last but not last:
Here's what Lindy's 2025 Pro Football Preview said about him heading into last season: Versatile leader of the line - could start at Left Guard or even Right Tackle. My take: This seems like a very good get for the Browns...
Wow, it's rare to see the Browns get praised by national media, good stuff.
So AB flipped Pickett for a starting OL, albeit a year late. Let's hope it's a steal & things turn the corner. -
Maybe best of all, we needed immediate help at OL that most/all 5th round picks are ill-equipped to provide as wide-eyed rookies that late into the draft. For that matter, the year we drafted OL Austin Corbett 33rd overall (2 spots before adding Nick Chubb) - he didn't pan out until he played for the Rams and started at OG in the Super Bowl. As recently as last off-season, Carolina extended his contract as a reliable IOL starter so some guys just take longer regardless of position - just ask Sam Darnold...
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I guess I'll put this here. No OLinemen. Sadly, Thrash seems like a dud.
very interesting:
"The former Kentucky pass catcher was the highest graded PFF rookie tight end during the preseason with an 85.8 grade while adding six receptions on seven targets for 100 receiving yards. He also had a 77.0 pass blocking grade and 74.9 run blocking grade."
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One week ahead of legal tampering and they've brought in an OLineman. It's a good sign. But I would still stay laser focused on LT. Get one, move Jones back to RT, put this new guy at RG (or LG depending on Bitonio) and we're almost there.
As for whether it's a WR or OT at pick #6, this trade might have moved the needle a little bit. In a week or so, FA starts, and that might make the needle bounce back & forth.
One week ahead of legal tampering and they've brought in an OLineman. It's a good sign. But I would still stay laser focused on LT. Get one, move Jones back to RT, put this new guy at RG (or LG depending on Bitonio) and we're almost there.
As for whether it's a WR or OT at pick #6, this trade might have moved the needle a little bit. In a week or so, FA starts, and that might make the needle bounce back & forth.
Indeed. The needle may be way different in 2-3 weeks. We may still make some trades and we will probably sign one more FA for the OL and one at receiver. That will give us more flexibility in the draft where we aren't forced to reach for players for position over getting the best players. I could see where we don't even take a receiver until maybe round 4.
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One week ahead of legal tampering and they've brought in an OLineman. It's a good sign. But I would still stay laser focused on LT. Get one, move Jones back to RT, put this new guy at RG (or LG depending on Bitonio) and we're almost there.
As for whether it's a WR or OT at pick #6, this trade might have moved the needle a little bit. In a week or so, FA starts, and that might make the needle bounce back & forth.
Indeed. The needle may be way different in 2-3 weeks. We may still make some trades and we will probably sign one more FA for the OL and one at receiver. That will give us more flexibility in the draft where we aren't forced to reach for players for position over getting the best players. I could see where we don't even take a receiver until maybe round 4.
I could see where we don't even take a receiver until maybe round 4.
Fortunately, I'm not a betting man...but if I were I'd bet that we take one earlier than that. Berry has stated that the offense is a priority this year. And receiver was/is a main problem.
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Fortunately, I'm not a betting man...but if I were I'd bet that we take one earlier than that. Berry has stated that the offense is a priority this year. And receiver was/is a main problem.
The reason I say that stems back to my earlier comment. If we sign a good receiver in free agency that goes in line with Berry stating O was going to be a big focus. With Judey, a new FA, Fannin and as a wildcard I could see the team using Sampson in more of a receiving role, we will have some weapons in addition to anybody drafted and already have.
If we don't sign a FA receiver, then we will sign a receiver before round 4. I don't know about round 1. There are a lot of good receivers who will be there in round 2 that won't be that much of a drop off from round 1 guys IMO.
Again, I am not saying we won't. I am simply saying I can see possibilities where we won't. The top receivers as it stand now don't exactly blow me away. I don't think Tate is "elite" to take at #6. Lemon looks like he will be a hard to coach player, and guym brain fart here, looks to have injury concerns.
I like Cooper from Indiana and Branch from Georgia. I think at least one of those guys will be there in the 2nd round for us.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn. -
Fortunately, I'm not a betting man...but if I were I'd bet that we take one earlier than that. Berry has stated that the offense is a priority this year. And receiver was/is a main problem.
The reason I say that stems back to my earlier comment. If we sign a good receiver in free agency that goes in line with Berry stating O was going to be a big focus. With Judey, a new FA, Fannin and as a wildcard I could see the team using Sampson in more of a receiving role, we will have some weapons in addition to anybody drafted and already have.
If we don't sign a FA receiver, then we will sign a receiver before round 4. I don't know about round 1. There are a lot of good receivers who will be there in round 2 that won't be that much of a drop off from round 1 guys IMO.
Again, I am not saying we won't. I am simply saying I can see possibilities where we won't. The top receivers as it stand now don't exactly blow me away. I don't think Tate is "elite" to take at #6. Lemon looks like he will be a hard to coach player, and guym brain fart here, looks to have injury concerns.
I like Cooper from Indiana and Branch from Georgia. I think at least one of those guys will be there in the 2nd round for us.
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The 'y' was a clue.
Yeah, it's the injury situation that troubles me also.
I think we need more than one 'good' WR brought in.
And we probably will. I expect we will bring in one free agent with proven results, at least 1 drafted guy who at least shows solid talent and one later round guy. We still have a few guys on the roster that still need more time to prove and some who have proven they are who they are and need to be replaced with something new.
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Fortunately, I'm not a betting man...but if I were I'd bet that we take one earlier than that. Berry has stated that the offense is a priority this year. And receiver was/is a main problem.
The reason I say that stems back to my earlier comment. If we sign a good receiver in free agency that goes in line with Berry stating O was going to be a big focus. With Judey, a new FA, Fannin and as a wildcard I could see the team using Sampson in more of a receiving role, we will have some weapons in addition to anybody drafted and already have.
If we don't sign a FA receiver, then we will sign a receiver before round 4. I don't know about round 1. There are a lot of good receivers who will be there in round 2 that won't be that much of a drop off from round 1 guys IMO.
Again, I am not saying we won't. I am simply saying I can see possibilities where we won't. The top receivers as it stand now don't exactly blow me away. I don't think Tate is "elite" to take at #6. Lemon looks like he will be a hard to coach player, and guym brain fart here, looks to have injury concerns.
I like Cooper from Indiana and Branch from Georgia. I think at least one of those guys will be there in the 2nd round for us.
The reason I say that stems back to my earlier comment. If we sign a good receiver in free agency that goes in line with Berry stating O was going to be a big focus. With Judey, a new FA, Fannin and as a wildcard I could see the team using Sampson in more of a receiving role, we will have some weapons in addition to anybody drafted and already have.
If we don't sign a FA receiver, then we will sign a receiver before round 4. I don't know about round 1. There are a lot of good receivers who will be there in round 2 that won't be that much of a drop off from round 1 guys IMO.
Again, I am not saying we won't. I am simply saying I can see possibilities where we won't. The top receivers as it stand now don't exactly blow me away. I don't think Tate is "elite" to take at #6. Lemon looks like he will be a hard to coach player, and guym brain fart here, looks to have injury concerns.
I like Cooper from Indiana and Branch from Georgia. I think at least one of those guys will be there in the 2nd round for us.
NOW YOU LISTEN HERE! Thank you - that was very well said...
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