Massive Tackle Trent Brown Shakes Up NFL Off-Season with Unexpected Free-Agency Decision

Houston Texans Release Veteran OT Trent Brown Ahead of 53-Man Cut-Down Day HOUSTON — In a move that caught many league observers off guard, the Houston Texans have released veteran right tackle Trent Brown just hours before Tuesday’s NFL deadline to trim rosters to 53 players. A Surprising End to a Short Houston Stint Brown, 32, signed a one-year, $2.35 million deal with Houston in March after spending the 2024 season with the Cincinnati Bengals. The 6-foot-8, 370-pound lineman was expected to compete for the starting right-tackle job opposite Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil, but recurring knee issues limited his practice reps during camp. With rookie third-rounder Jamari Lewis flashing upside and swing tackle Charlie Heck returning from PUP, the Texans opted for youth, health and salary-cap flexibility. Cap Ramifications By cutting Brown, Houston saves roughly $1.8 million in 2025 cap space while eating a modest $550,000 dead-money charge, per OverTheCap figures. General manager Nick Caserio now has close to $12 million in room to pursue late-summer waiver claims or extend core contributors like Nico Collins. What Went Wrong? • Durability concerns: Brown has missed 21 games over the past three seasons with calf, ankle and knee ailments. • Scheme fit: Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik’s wide-zone system demands tackles who can cut off linebackers in space; Brown’s power-centric skill set was better suited for gap concepts. • Emerging depth: Lewis graded out as Houston’s top run blocker in the preseason, while Heck’s versatility made a fourth veteran tackle redundant. Potential Landing Spots Despite today's release, Brown’s résumé — Super Bowl LIII champion, 2019 Pro Bowler, 85 overall rating in Madden 26 — will generate interest on the open market. Teams with shaky tackle depth such as the Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs could kick the tires, especially if they suffer injuries in Week 1. Impact on C.J. Stroud and the Texans Offense Houston’s franchise quarterback now projects to start the season behind a line of Tunsil, Kenyon Green, Juice Scruggs, Shaq Mason and Lewis. While the group skews young on the right side, coaches believe Lewis’ quickness complements Stroud’s rollout-heavy playbook. Expect tight end Dalton Schultz to chip more frequently until the rookie settles in. Brown’s Career at a Glance • Drafted: 7th round, 49ers (2015) • Teams: 49ers, Patriots (two stints), Raiders, Bengals, Texans • Accolades: Pro Bowl (2019), Super Bowl champion (Patriots, 2018) • Career starts: 105 of 111 games At his peak, Brown ranked among the league’s most dominant pass protectors, allowing just one sack during New England’s 2018 title run. What’s Next The veteran becomes an unrestricted free agent once he clears waivers at 4 p.m. ET Wednesday. Given his experience and size, Brown could sign quickly if medical evaluations check out. If he remains unsigned through Week 1, his 2025 salary would no longer be guaranteed, making a post-opening-week deal more attractive to contenders. Fantasy and Betting Angle For fantasy managers invested in Houston’s skill players, Brown’s departure is a minor downgrade for the run game early in the season but shouldn’t deter anyone from targeting Nico Collins or rookie TE Jack Westbrook in PPR formats. Sportsbooks have not adjusted the Texans’ season-win total (currently 8.5), signaling minimal market concern. Bottom Line The Texans’ decision to release Trent Brown underscores the organization’s commitment to a younger, more athletic offensive line and provides the veteran tackle another chance to prove he can stay healthy and contribute elsewhere. Keep an eye on the waiver wire and late-camp injuries — Brown’s phone is unlikely to stay silent for long.