The Indianapolis Colts' offseason has been rather quiet. They haven't made many moves on offense, and they haven't signed many game-changing players on defense. However, of all the arrivals and departures, Braden Smith's decision to leave might sting the most.
Fortunately for Shane Steichen, he has a solid potential replacement in Jalen Travis, who showed signs of promise last season. Smith, on the other hand, might've gotten a big payday, but his life may not be easier now that he'll play for DeMeco Ryans' team.
The Houston Texans gave Smith a two-year, $20 million deal. Not only does that show they don't trust him as a long-term solution, but it may also hint that he's right back in the unemployment line next offseason.
Former Indianapolis Colts RT Braden Smith might be another piece in the Texans' offensive line carousel
According to Team Rankings, the Texans' offensive line went from giving up 3.4 sacks per game in 2024 to 1.9 in 2025, which was good for 11th. Nevertheless, they still traded starting RT Tytus Howard to the Cleveland Browns, even though he didn't give up a single sack last season.
Smith will have some huge shoes to fill next season, and given the way the Texans have kept pieces moving in the offensive line lately, they're going to keep him on a short leash.
If they traded a perennial All-Pro star like Laremy Tunsil, they won't hesitate to move on from him at the first sign of subpar play. Protecting C.J. Stroud has been their No. 1 priority for two years now, and there will be no margin for error.
That's not to say that he would've gotten away with subpar play in Indianapolis, but the structure of his contract and his new team's approach to that unit offer plenty of uncertainty and a grim picture for the newcomer.
Smith made the most of his opportunity to capitalize on his market value while he still could, and there's nothing wrong with that. That said, only $13.5 million of his contract is guaranteed, and he wasn't particularly great last season.
Pro Football Focus (subscription required) ranked Smith 50th among 89 eligible offensive tackles with a 65.3 grade. He was slightly better as a pass-blocker (71.9, 36th), but struggled mightily in run-blocking (58, 64th), and that doesn't bode well for a team that just traded for David Montgomery to take some pressure off Stroud's shoulders.
Smith gave up 26 total pressures, including six QB hits and one sack, and he was called for six penalties. Those numbers won't cut it in Houston, and he's going to have to step up big time if he wants to hold onto his starting job past Week 10.