Browns Trade for Howard, Texans Gain Cap Space

0:00On March 2nd, the NFL offseason is wrapping up with a key trade between the Browns and Texans. Cleveland picked a bright tackle Titus Howard from Houston in exchange for a 5th round draft pick. The Browns also signed Howard to a 3-year deal worth $63 million. Both teams are overhauling their offensive lines heading into free agency. The Browns face a total rebuild up front, with all five of their starters from last year hitting the market and no cap room to keep them. For Cleveland, adding a veteran like the 30-year-old Howard, feels a huge gap right away. He posted a strong season in 2025, allowing pressures on just 4.8% of pass blocking snaps. Still, the big extension strains their salary cap are already tight from past deals. Meanwhile, Houston gains some breathing room. They say $4.22 million in cap space this year, and $13.75 million next year. It fits their ongoing line reconstruction, which kicked off last off season. Free agency opens March 11th at 4 p.m. Eastern, so expect more move soon as these teams build around their new looks.