Tytus Howard opens up about his fresh start after being traded to the Cleveland Browns from the Houston Texans this week
A new offensive line is being built in Cleveland. The makeover got started on Monday when the Browns sent one of their three fifth-round picks this year to the Houston Texans for right tackle Tytus Howard.
For Texans fans, the move seemed to come as a bit of a surprise, with many noting that Howard was the team's best o-lineman last season, on an already depleted group. For Houston, Howard was entering the final year of his deal and it didn't want to give him a new contract.
Enter Cleveland, desperately looking for offensive line help anywhere. Trading for Howard gives them a veteran o-lineman for the cost of a day-three pick and a new extension that will keep him with the team for the foreseeable future.
While Howard has been a Texan his entire career, he expressed excitement over his new opportunity, via Aaron Wilson of Channel 2 in Houston.
"I just appreciate the support over the last seven years," said Howard, reportedly. "I'll always be a Texan forever. I'm excited to go to Cleveland and turn the city up and help change the program and win some games."
According to Wilson, Howard wasn't surprised by the move. The soon-to-be 30-year-old cited the team's desire to get younger and invest new contracts in other areas of the roster. He seemed to get the sense his days were numbered there anyway.
Now he comes to Cleveland to get a fresh start and be one of the first new additions to an offensive line very much in transition.
PFF ranked 17th out of 89 qualified tackles in pass blocking. His run blocking grades aren't anywhere near as impressive, as Howard ranked 79th out of that same group of 89 qualifying tackles and 58th in overall grade.
He comes with some versatility, having played both guard spots on top of his primary role as a right tackle. The Browns likely view him as the latter. Adding him is just the first of multiple moves to come, as GM Andrew Berry attempts stabilize the entire o-line through free agency and the NFL Draft in the weeks ahead.
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