Is Tytus Howard worth $63 million? Breaking down the Browns’ big bet
The Cleveland Browns gained a new lineman, but his price tag has fans wondering if he’s worth the cost.
The Cleveland Browns acquired veteran offensive lineman Tytus Howard from the Houston Texans for a 2026 fifth-round pick, then immediately signed Howard to a three-year, $63 million extension, giving him a $21 million average annual value (AAV). That number instantly sparked debate. Is Tytus Howard really worth $21 million per season? Let’s break it down.
The Browns are acquiring Texans starting RT Tytus Howard for a fifth-round pick and signing him to a three-year, $63 million extension per @RapSheet.
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) March 2, 2026
Howard has started 93 games over seven seasons with the Texans. pic.twitter.com/XpdYcKefZr
Where $21M ranks among NFL linemen
At $21 million per year, Howard sits in an interesting middle tier financially. If he plays right tackle, his $21M AAV places him roughly in the middle of the top-20 highest-paid tackles. If Cleveland kicks him inside to guard, he becomes one of the highest-paid players at that position, near the top five in AAV.
"I'm interested to see if Howard will be the RG or the RT, he's played both... It's the kind of move they had to make and they didn't wait."
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) March 2, 2026
📞@AkronJackson on Browns trading for Tytus Howard pic.twitter.com/QgCpvSLZ4h
Howard has started games at right tackle, left guard, and right guard, and played 88% of Houston’s offensive snaps in 2025 across multiple spots. Versatility typically drives market value, especially for a team like the Browns, who had all five primary offensive line starters hitting free agency.
Howard, 29, has started 93 career games since being drafted in the first round in 2019. He isn’t viewed as an elite, All-Pro caliber tackle, but he is widely considered a reliable, above-average starter with positional flexibility.
If Cleveland expects Howard to be a franchise cornerstone, the contract might look a bit aggressive. But if the Browns view him as a plug-and-play right tackle, insurance at guard, and a stabilizing veteran presence during a roster reset, then $21 million annually aligns with current market realities.
The offensive line market continues to inflate. Starting-caliber tackles rarely reach free agency, and when they do, they often command $20M+ per year. In that context, the Browns may not have overpaid. They may have simply paid market price.
New head coach Todd Monken made his stance clear at the Combine: “Gotta build it up front.” This move reflects that philosophy.
The Browns entered the offseason with massive uncertainty across the offensive line. Rather than gamble on the draft or mid-tier free agents, they secured a proven veteran in his prime.
From Todd Monken last week, on the biggest priority for the offseason: Improve in the trenches. Tytus Howard helps. https://t.co/osjczDqRTK
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 2, 2026
The real proof will come when Howard either solidifies the right side for three years or struggles under the weight of the contract.
Related stories
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.
Complete your personal details to comment