The Texans Have Checked Plenty of Boxes During Free Agency
There aren't many spots on the two-deep open a few days into free agency
The Houston Texans have a new offensive lineman among their various additions via free agency this week.
Braden Smith is getting added to the offensive line on a two-year deal worth up to $25 million. Smith has spent eight years at right tackle for the Indianapolis Colts. Smith played guard in college, but ended up on with nearly 7,000 snaps on the edge of the Indianapolis line.
He will turn 30 this month. Smith is a solid blocker on passing plays. He has an excellent history of blocking in the ground game. That’s where the Texans needed the most help heading into the offseason. Durability has been an issue after a half-decade in which he didn’t miss many games. Smith missed time with a lower leg injury in 2023, mental health issues in 2024, and saw his 2025 end due to a concussion and neck injury. There is a slight concern about his durability.
Houston already signed Trent Brown back after a solid half-season at right tackle. Smith should supplant Brown as the starter, pushing Brown into the swing tackle role. Both tackles have an injury history, but between the two of them, you should be able to trust at least one of them as long as the season lasts.
General Manager Nick Caserio spent more on Smith’s total contract than his entire offensive line investment in free agency a year ago. It also seems the approach was to spread out the available money across multiple spots rather than shop at the top of the market. Houston was heading into the offseason with just three potentially settled spots. They had a left tackle with Aireontae Ersery, a center in Jake Andrews, and a versatile interior backup in Jarrett Patterson. Now, the team has four starting spots accounted for and their swing tackle position filled.
The Texans still don’t have a starting-quality left guard. Worthwhile options have dwindled, though many went off the market at various investment levels. The Texans have the draft available as a way to upgrade the position if they don’t sign another free agent.
