March 29, 2026, 10:27 a.m. CT

Why did offensive lineman Wyatt Teller pick the Houston Texans after eight seasons with the Cleveland Browns?

Teller, a three-time Pro Bowl guard, always knew he’d be suiting up elsewhere in 2026 after penning his goodbye to Browns nation. Multiple suitors were interested and unlike most high-profile free agents, Teller didn’t jump at the chance to sign right away. He calculated every option and laid out the pros and cons of playing at one spot seemed to be the best fit than others for not just his career but also his family.

What sold Teller on the Texans was the culture. Before signing, he talked to several people in the organization, including Pro Bowl quarterback C.J. Stroud during a Pro Athlete Outreach’s annual conference for Christian NFL players. Then, after meeting with head coach DeMeco Ryans, it became clear that everything he wanted was waiting for him in Houston.

“Unbelievable culture that I wanted to be a part of,” Teller said in his first meeting with the Texans.

Houston’s culture might have been the reason why Teller signed a two-year, $16 million deal this offseason, but Teller’s prowess is what has Texans fans excited about the newest addition to the offensive line. He was an anchor in Cleveland amid two rebuilds that saw the Browns reach the postseason under two-time NFL Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski at right guard.

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In Houston, Teller will make the transition over to the left side. After the Texans re-signed right guard Ed Ingram to a three-year deal, so for the first time since his rookie season, Teller won’t be lined up on the right side of the trenches.

It’ll be a challenge, but Teller has experience playing on the left side, so after a few practices in Cole Popovich’s huddle, it’ll be like learning how to ride a bike.

“It is not like I haven’t been in a left-handed stance or left guard pass protecting stance for too long,” Teller said. “But I was talking to [Cleveland Browns guard] Ethan Pocic, last night or the night before and he was like, ‘Wyatt, I think you are going to make this transition easy.'”