The Houston Texans reportedly worked out a trade with the Browns to send right tackle Tytus Howard to Cleveland. That could mean the Indianapolis Colts are about to lose a key player.
Howard had been a full-time starter, when healthy, at tackle ever since 2019, except for 2021 when he played left guard. Nearly all of his time was spent on the right side. He was a solid player, allowing zero sacks in 2025. He wasn't the greatest of run-blockers, though.
Indy right tackle Braden Smith is a better player, and even better for Houston. Smith is a free agent this offseason. Smith to the Texans makes complete sense at this point, as Indianapolis has Smith's likely replacement already on the roster in the person of Jalen Travis. Plus, Indy probably cannot afford to re-sign Smith.
Houston Texans trading Tytus Howard could mean bad things for the Indianapolis Colts
The team's priorities need to be quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce, both very expensive players whose re-signings could mean the Colts need to release veterans such as Michael Pittman Jr. and Zaire Franklin to clear salary cap space. Should Jones and Pierce return, it is unlikely Indy would also have the money to bring back Smith.
Travis might turn out to be a very good player, and he was highly efficient in 2025 when he filled in for Smith at times, but he isn't the proven player that Smith is. Houston could be looking at a win-win should they sign Smith, as the move would be an upgrade for its offensive line, as well as potentially hurting AFC South rival Indianapolis.
According to Spotrac, Braden Smith has a projected market value in a new deal of $13.5 million a season. The Texans currently have negative-$7.5 million in cap space. The trade of Howard will help a little, as, according to Over the Cap, Houston will save $4,222,588 by moving the right tackle once the trade becomes official on March 11, the start of the new fiscal year for the NFL.
Houston would still need to clear more space to add Smith, of course, but the cap is a malleable entity and a team can create cash by reworking current deals, or trading or releasing players. The Texans likely have a plan in place to get more cap room.
What wouldn't be shocking is if that plan included signing right tackle Braden Smith, a top-five-ranked tackle in the league just two years ago, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). He would definitely improve a team that the Indianapolis Colts are already chasing in the division.