For eight seasons, Braden Smith was an enemy of the Houston Texans.

In Year 9, the standout lineman is now a friend.

Smith, who spent eight seasons as a right tackle with the Indianapolis Colts, officially agreed to terms on a two-year deal worth up to $25 million with the Texans on Friday. Of his contract, $13.5 million is guaranteed.

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Smith was one of the top names mentioned to be tied to Houston before the start of free agency and now looks to be the anchor of the offensive line in a year filled with hope of a resurgence blocking for quarterback C.J. Stroud.

“It just felt like the right fit, like there was definitely a feeling behind it,” Smith told KPRC 2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson following the news of his intent to sign. “From a faith standpoint, I feel like God places us where he needs us and feel like Houston’s been on the mind for a while now. Ultimately, it happened the way that it needed to happen and I feel good about it.”

What’s the role for the veteran lineman? Some could argue that Smith will replace veteran Tytus Howard as the new multi-purpose lineman, seeing potentially reps at both right tackle and left guard. Howard, who spent seven seasons with the Texans, was shipped off to the Cleveland Browns earlier this month in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick.

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Smith started over 100 games at right tackle for the Colts during his eight seasons with the franchise, but initially was drafted to play guard after serving as a two-time All-SEC linemen at right guard at Auburn. After an injury in training camp, he took over full-time at right tackle, eventually earning a lucrative contract extension ahead of his final year on his rookie contract to become the league’s then-highest-paid right tackle.

His addition is expected to bolster an offensive line that needed further talent and experience. The Texans earlier this week re-signed right guard Ed Ingram to a three-year deal worth over $37 million to stick around after a dominant season last fall. With Smith’s addition, the Texans are bolstering their power zone offensive scheme with competent run blockers who can thrive in bullying defensive tackles inside short-yardage territory.

Entering his age 30 season, Smith made a successful return to the NFL last season after missing the final five games of 2024 for the Colts in 2024 because of mental health challenges. Known for his powerful run blocking, Smith was part of an offensive line that helped running back All-Pro Jonathan Taylor total his fourth 1,000-yard season since joining the franchise in 2020.

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The Texans aren’t done building the offensive line and still are expected to target at least one or two more names in free agency or the upcoming draft in April.

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans make signing of free agent star OT Braden Smith official