Browns Trade for Howard, Strengthening Offensive Line

0:00On March 2nd, the Cleveland Browns just pulled off a key trade to shore up their offensive line by bringing in Wright Tackle Titus Howard from the Houston Texans. They sent a fifth round draft picked to Houston and locked Howard into a $3-year $63 million extension, with four long-time starters heading to free agency after this season, including left guard Joe Baitonio, Center Ethan Pasek, Wright Guard Wyatt Teller, and Wright Tackle Jack Conklin, the team needs fresh blood up front. Only left Tackle DeWon Jones plans to return next year. Fans and analysts see this as the start of a bigger overhaul, especially after Brown's quarterbacks took 51 sacks this past season, ranking 7th worst in the league. Howard, at age 29, brings proven past protection, not allowing a single sack all year according to stats trackers. Central manager Andrew Berry has hinted they'd welcome Baitonio back if he skips retirement, while Young Center Luke Weibler looks ready to step in for. Pasek Teller already shared a goodbye note to the city.

1:04This move positions Cleveland to protect their quarterback, better heading into free agency, and the draft, setting the stage for a stronger line next, fall.