Getty
Braden Smith #72 of the Indianapolis Colts against the Tennessee Titans.
The Houston Texans must surround C.J. Stroud with a better supporting cast, and for as much as that often implies adding to the skill positions on the roster, bolstering the offensive line in front of him also falls under that header.
Stroud did well to reduce his sack rate compared to his 2024 campaign. The Texans’ work last offseason was a major factor, too, though.
It could serve as an impetus to continue their efforts along that front.
Texans Linked to Colts OT Braden Smith
GettyBraden Smith #72 of the Indianapolis Colts lines up against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
ESPN’s Matt Bowen, who spent seven seasons in the NFL, created a list of the “best team fits” for the noted the Texans’ roster could use an “upgrade,” specifically at right tackle, where Super Bowl champion Trent Brown is a free agent.
Bowen’s suggested replacement is Braden Smith, a former second-round draft pick (37th overall in 2018) of the Indianapolis Colts.
“Elevating the offensive line in front of quarterback C.J. Stroud must be a priority for the Texans, and Smith would be an upgrade over free agent right tackle Trent Brown,” Bowen wrote on February 17. “Durability has been a concern for Smith, who just wrapped up his eighth season with the Colts, but he’s a drive blocker in the run game who can match power off the edges in pass pro.”
Smith is coming off a one-year, $8 million contract with $69 million in career earnings.
Spotrac projected Smith could command up to $13.5 million annually, suggesting a three-year, $40.6 million pact as an example of what he could land on the open market. Over The Cap projects the Texans will be $4.7 million over the limit.
Still, Pro Football Focus ranked the Texans 19th in pass protection and 23rd in run blocking during the 2025 regular season.
Of all the potential problem spots on the roster, the O-line could warrant the most attention.
Texans Could Double Dip on OL
GettyAireontae Ersery #79 of the Houston Texans takes the field during player introductions before facing the Tennessee Titans
Last offseason, the Texans drafted Aireontae Ersery in the second round. They inserted him at left tackle, alongside a hodgepodge of veterans. Even if the Texans add Smith to their roster, adding a prospect up front in the draft would be a wise investment.
ESPN’s Field Yates projected the Texans would select Alabama Crimson Tide star Kadyn Proctor with the 28th overall pick in April.
Yates noted the Texans’ protection woes, even with Stroud’s issues, and how Ersery helped.
“Proctor would give them another gigantic pillar,” Yates wrote on February 11. “Proctor had an uneven 2025 season at Alabama, which made some scouts wary of his overall foot quickness against twitchy edge rushers. But there is zero debate about his power and size (6-foot-7, 366 pounds), which could be crucial for Houston’s rushing attack. The Texans were last in run block win rate in 2025.”
Ersery began playing guard before moving back outside to his natural left tackle spot last offseason, prompting the Texans to cut ties with offseason pickup Cam Robinson, whom they traded to the Cleveland Browns.
Doubling up might be necessary, with starting right guard Ed Ingram also a free agent this coming offseason.
This offseason could be a significant turning point for the Texans’ roster.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter
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