Houston fortifies its trenches, acquiring Wyatt Teller to anchor the offensive line and ignite their ground attack.
The Houston Texans entered the 2026 offseason with a pressing need to improve the offensive line. The line's poor play hurt the running game in 2025, and quarterback C.J. Stroud also seemed to be uncomfortable when dropping back in the pocket. Houston needs to get more out of its offense to be considered a legitimate Super Bowl contender, and the franchise is now set up to do so after reworking its offensive line.
The Texans' first big free agent signing came in the form of a tackle by the name of Braden Smith. He was one of the top free agents available at the time, and Houston signed him to a two-year deal. Now, Houston solidified the interior of its offensive line by adding All-Pro guard Wyatt Teller.
It is a two-year deal for the 31-year-old offensive lineman, and he should be considered an immediate upgrade in the trenches. He has spent most of his career with the Cleveland Browns after being a fifth-round pick by the Buffalo Bills in 2018. He was in Buffalo for just one season before being traded to the Browns prior to the start of the 2019 season. He began as a backup in Cleveland, but he eventually earned a starting role about halfway through 2019. He has been a reliable starter ever since, as he has made the Pro Bowl three times while also being named an All-Pro twice.
Teller should slot right into the right guard role for the Texans, while he has also played a little bit of left guard in his career. He provides a spark to the running game while also serving as a rock in pass protection. It is important to note his experience and leadership abilities as well, which certainly played a role in Houston's interest in the veteran.
Houston's offensive line was a weakness, but the franchise has taken the necessary steps to turn it into a near strength. Aireontae Erstery played well in his rookie year at left tackle, and the organization should expect him to show some improvement in his second season. Smith is a reliable veteran at left tackle, and Teller now bolsters the interior of the offensive line. Center and left guard could still use some improvement, but overall, the offensive line looks much better than it did at this time during the 2025 offseason.
Houston is doing everything it can to get Stroud back to his 2023 self, and solidifying the offensive line is a great way to do that.