The Two-Year Offensive Line Makeover Needs to Workout for the Texans
A lot of change but how much for the better?
The Houston Texans finished the 2024 season with an unacceptable offensive line. It was an issue that held back an offense that, in turn, held back a Super Bowl-caliber defense.
The need for change was clear. Houston wasted no time. The team promoted Cole Popovich from assistant offensive line coach to offensive line coach as his former colleague from the New England Patriots, Nick Caley, took over as offensive coordinator.
The coaching wouldn’t matter if they didn’t turn over the roster. Here is how each position evolved for the Texans from last season to where it stands now.
Left Tackle
Laremy Tunsil → Cam Robinson → Aireontae Ersery
The Texans made the bold decision to trade Laremy Tunsil. General manager Nick Caserio blamed rising contract costs for the future at other positions. There was a hope to change the culture in the offensive line room. Tunsil was good, but he cared about little other than himself. He did his job. He made his money. That’s all he cared about. The Texans turned him into draft picks.
Cam Robinson was added after Tunsil’s trade via free agency. The Texans paid him the seventh-highest contract among offensive linemen, hoping Robinson would bounce back after a season in which he played poorly for two different teams. He was fine, but when he got injured in training camp, he lost his spot. Rookie Aireontae Ersery would replace him. Robinson would start one game and eventually get traded to Cleveland, where he had a below-average year. He isn’t currently on a team.
Ersery dealt with growing pains in 2025, but performed admirably for a rookie. He played more than almost any other rookie tackle. He finished with comparable stats to his fellow rookies. Most importantly, he showed growth. There is a chance Ersery can become a franchise tackle. It might not happen in 2026, but the potential for him is there. The trade to get him was a worthwhile investment.
Left Guard
Laken Tomlinson → Juice Scruggs → Jarrett Patterson → Tytus Howard → Wyatt Teller
The Texans turned to a veteran of three teams to help solidify their left guard spot. A conglomeration of Juice Scruggs and Tytus Howard was hopefully a thing of the past with Tomlinson’s addition. He was a modest investment, but he brought tons of experience. Tomlinson arrived in Houston with a starting streak spanning almost six seasons.
He was bad. Tomlinson didn’t hold off Scruggs. The failed center was rotating with the veteran at one point, which was somehow the second weirdest thing the Texans tried on the offensive line in 2025. Tomlinson was waived and isn’t currently on a team. Scruggs didn’t fare much better. He ultimately got chances and lost out to Jarrett Patterson. Patterson was fine. The team moved to Howard, only going back to Patterson when Howard had to play right tackle.
Wyatt Teller might be the solution. While he’s similar to Tomlinson, a once-good player who has played poorly the previous two seasons, he’s two years younger and closer to his previous level of play. Teller is switching positions from right guard to left guard. It begs the question whether the Texans should’ve just signed a left guard.
