Earlier this week, the Texans dealt away Tytus Howard and Juice Scruggs in separate trades. A number of new faces along the offensive line will be in place next season, but a familiar blocker will be in the fold as well.
Houston has agreed to a new deal with Trent Brown, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This one-year contract will prevent the former Bengals, Raiders, 49ers, and Patriots lineman – who was a pending free agent – from reaching the open market next week. The pact has a maximum value of $7MM.
Brown started seven games during the regular season as well as Houston’s wild-card win against the Steelers. An ankle injury kept him sidelined for the divisional round, but Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 notes Brown is currently rehabbing it. That process is obviously going well, given the team’s willingness to make a new commitment in this case.
The Texans could have a starting spot available for Brown next year. Howard, who started the year at right tackle and moved to guard to cover injuries, is now in Cleveland. Perhaps Houston gives 2024 second-rounder Blake Fisher another look, but his rough rookie year will have Brown on standby, if not in the lead, for the starting right tackle job.
2026 will be Brown’s 12th season in the NFL, a strong career for a former seventh-round pick. He has started 103 games with over 3,000 snaps at both tackle spots, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required). His injury history has dropped his market value in recent years, which is why his new deal with the Texans likely contains playing time incentives to reach the maximum compensation.
Nikhil Mehta contributed to this story.