A rival's proven lineman arrives, potentially a bargain despite injury concerns, boosting the Texans' offensive line significantly.
There have been mixed reviews on many of the Houston Texans' free agent signings. The move to bring over Indianapolis Colts offensive lineman Braden Smith is no different.
Smith, the veteran lineman from the rival Colts, has had his fair share of health issues, but one analyst indicates he is one of the most impactful signings of free agency. ESPN NFL expert Seth Walder discussed why he believes the addition of Smith is the No. 7 ranked move and an A-graded signing in free agency.
"A little over a week after agreeing to trade Tytus Howard to the Browns, the Texans found their right tackle replacement. In terms of value, the swap is a coup for Houston.
In 13 games last season, Smith recorded a pass block win rate in the 51st percentile and run block win rate in the 45th percentile. Both numbers are better than what the Texans got out of Howard. ...
At $12.5 million per year in 2026 and essentially just one guaranteed year for a solid right tackle, Smith's deal looks like a bargain. And if we consider this deal in conjunction with the Howard trade? Then it looks even better. The Texans got the better player at a cheaper price and gained a fifth-round pick."
Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Braden Smith (72) looks to block Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during the first half at Acrisure Stadium. Barry Reeger-Imagn ImagesOffensive line additions are not usually going to get much acclaim. Certainly not offensive line signings that do not include a current pro bowl or all-pro team offensive tackle. Even so, Smith's addition plugs a need with a player who fared better than Tytus Howard as a pass protector and run blocker in the 2025 season.
Is Smith an upgrade over Howard? That much is inconclusive, and the contention would probably be a stretch. After all, Howard is the one who was immediately rumored to command a massive, multi-year contract from the Cleveland Browns shortly after the Browns traded for him.
What Smith does is, he helps fill a need at a position in which the Texans were among the league's worst. And if he can help neutralize Houston's weakness up front enough that the unit goes from bad to average, then the signing will easily live up to its A-graded billing.
The Texans are quietly building a fully fortified roster this offseason addressing nearly every need emphatically. And while some moves may seem like a swing for the fence, Houston may well hit a home run with the team it has built.