Browns Trade for Howard, Shore Up O-Line

0:00On March 2nd, the Cleveland Browns wasted no time after the NFL Combine, trading a 5th round draft pick to the Houston Texans for right tackle Titus. Howard, General Manager Andrew Berry quickly locked him up with a 3-year extension worth $63 million. Howard brings solid experience with 93 NFL starts since Houston drafted him 23rd overall, back in 2019. Last season, he didn't allow a single sack and shines more in past protection than run blocking. This move fits Berry's plans to blend veterans with the team's young talent as Howard turns 30 in May. Fans see it as a smart step to shore up the offensive line early in the off season. With the trade, the Browns still hold 9 draft picks and can target other needs like left tackle or left guard, especially with Joe Baitonio mulling. Retirement. Back up players like Luke Weibler and DeWon Jones get time to recover fully. Now Berry has more flexibility in the first round this April, shifting focus from right tackle prospects to top left tackle options as the draft forward takes shape.