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Browns take step one toward upgrading offensive line with newest trade
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- Browns take step one toward upgrading offensive line with newest trade
The Cleveland Browns have taken the first step toward improving their offensive line as the new league year is set to begin in just over one week. Trading a fifth round pick to the Houston Texans , the Browns have acquired right tackle Tytus Howard . The Browns then gave Howard, who was set to enter a contract year in 2026, a three-year contract extension.
While the full details of Howard's extension have not been released, the extension was announced as a three-year deal worth $63 million in total value. We do not know the true amount of guarantees given to Howard just yet, however.
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A former first round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Howard was selected by the Texans with the 23rd overall pick that year. Throughout his seven-year career thus far, Howard has started 93 total games at all of right tackle, right guard, and left guard for the Texans.
How Tytus Howard fits with the Browns
Howard now likely slots in as the Browns' new right tackle with Jack Conklin set to hit the free agency market after six injury-riddled seasons in Cleveland. However, it is worth noting that Howard also has a great deal of starting experience at guard as well, so the Browns could opt to kick him inside if needed.
The Browns likely need to replace their left tackle, center, and right guard still. Left guard is still up in the air as veteran All-Pro Joel Bitonio mulls his decision to either return for the 2026 season or retire from the NFL after 12 seasons. So, while Howard is likely the right tackle in Cleveland in 2026, the Browns have the versatility to move him around in case of injuries or in attempts to optimize their starting lineup.
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What draft picks the Browns now have after making the trade
The Browns traded the fifth round pick they received from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for quarterback Kenny Pickett last August. So, the team essentially traded a third-string quarterback at the time for a starting right tackle less than a calendar year later.
With one of their three fifth round picks now gone, however, here are the picks the Browns now own in the 2026 NFL Draft:
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Round 1, Pick 6
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Round 1, Pick 24 (via JAX)
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Round 2, Pick 39
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Round 3, Pick 70
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Round 4, Pick 107
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Round 5, Pick 144
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Round 5, Pick 147 (via CIN)
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Round 6, Pick 205 (via CHI)
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Round 7, Pick 247 (via SEA)
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns trade for RT Tytus Howard; send Texans 5th round pick
