The Houston Texans entered the 2026 offseason with a clear mission: revamp their offensive line. The urgency heightened after they made the surprising decision to trade starting tackle/guard Tytus Howard to the Cleveland Browns and center Juice Scruggs to the Detroit Lions.
Despite these moves, GM Nick Caserio took decisive action, bringing in key free agents and re-signing pivotal players. The crown jewel of their efforts?
Acquiring two-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler, guard Wyatt Teller. This move, among others, has fans and local media buzzing with excitement.
The Texans aren't finished yet, but they’re undeniably stronger than they were after that tough February day in Foxborough.
However, not everyone is convinced. CBS Sports Analyst Pete Prisco shared his skepticism on CBS Sports’ HQ Spotlight. He questioned whether the Texans' offensive line has significantly improved, stating:
“The offensive line, are they that much better? Probably not.
Are they a little bit better? Probably.
Look, Braden Smith has to stay on the field. He hasn’t been on the field all the time, that’s an issue for him.
So, I think they added some pieces up front that will help make them a little bit better, but I don’t know how much better. Wyatt Teller was added, too, that’s another nice addition for that offensive line.
But, he’s 35-36 years old, so you don’t know what you’re going to get from him. I understand why they did, I just don’t know how much better they are up front.”
Prisco’s take hinges on the current roster, not factoring in potential draft picks. His cautious stance reflects uncertainty about the immediate impact of these changes.
Looking back at 2025, Houston's top offensive lineman was ranked no higher than 18th in his position, with the rest falling into the middle or lower tiers. Yet, these rankings lack context. The team faced significant challenges: Ersery was a rookie, the left guard position saw constant rotation, Andrews played through injury, and Howard shifted roles, causing Trent Brown to fill in at right tackle.
Despite the patchwork nature of their lineup, the Texans managed to allow just 31 sacks. While they struggled with consistency and pressure, their efforts were commendable under the circumstances.
On paper, the Texans’ revamped line promises stability and veteran leadership reminiscent of the early 2010s. With All-Pros and seasoned champions in the mix, this lineup offers a promising foundation for the upcoming season.