New Texans lineman Braden Smith clarifies his role, ready to play anywhere coaches need him, solidifying the offensive front.
The Houston Texans were expected to upgrade the offensive line going into the 2026 offseason, as it was an issue for the offense as a whole in 2025. The run game was not as good as Houston wanted it to be, and C.J. Stroud looks uncomfortable in the pocket at times. Houston's entire goal going into the 2026 season should be to make Stroud feel as good as possible so he can return to his 2023 self, and the franchise has done a good job of that so far by trading for David Montgomery and signing tackle Braden Smith.
Montgomery was traded before the legal tampering period opened, but the move was made official on Wednesday at the start of the new league year. Smith agreed to terms with Houston on Tuesday, the day before the start of the new league year. The veteran agreed to a two-year, $20 million deal. There was some talk about him potentially playing guard in Houston if it was necessary.
The speculation behind Smith potentially playing guard probably has begun because of who is already on the roster in Houston. Aireontae Ersery played great at left tackle during his rookie season, and Houston has already re-signed tackle Trent Brown and given him a raise. Smith is a better right tackle than Brown, but if the Texans cannot find a guard somethings may need to get moved around.
Texans' beat reporter Aaron Wilson spoke to Smith, and he asked about potentially playing guard, "I mean, ultimately, like, it's up to the coaches, you know, I'm a player. I'll do whatever they ask me to, you know, I've played a lot of right tackle. If that's where they need me, then that's where I'll play. If they need me to do something else, then I'll do what they need me to."
Smith has been a right tackle for the majority of his career, and Wilson asked the offensive lineman once again to confirm that playing guard was not in the discussions he had with the team during the negotiation process, "No, sir. I mean, there wasn't too much talk about position, but you never know."
Smith didn't shut the door on playing guard, but he didn't sound too interested in potentially doing so. The veteran has gotten used to playing right tackle, and he is good at it. There is no reason he should not be the starter there to open up the 2026 season for the Texans.