The Houston Texans have finalized a two-year contract with veteran guard Wyatt Teller, adding a three-time Pro Bowler to their significantly revamped offensive line, according to reports from NFL Network.
Texans Fortify the Trenches
Teller's arrival marks another substantial move by the Texans to solidify their protection for quarterback C.J. Stroud. This offseason has seen a flurry of activity aimed at upgrading the offensive front. The team previously secured free agent tackle Braden Smith on a two-year, $25 million deal. They also brought in guard Evan Brown on a one-year, $3.5 million contract and re-signed tackle Trent Brown.
Houston further committed to its interior line by re-signing right guard Ed Ingram to a three-year deal. The acquisition of Teller brings an experienced presence to the group, potentially lining up opposite Ingram. This series of moves demonstrates a clear organizational focus on creating a more robust pocket and opening run lanes, crucial for the continued development of their young signal-caller and the overall offensive scheme.
The Texans have been among the most active teams in free agency, prioritizing the offensive line to ensure Stroud has the stability he needs. With Teller, Smith, Brown, and Ingram, the unit now boasts a mix of established veterans and returning talent. The goal is clear: improve pass protection and establish a more consistent run game, areas where the team aims for significant gains in the upcoming season.
Teller's Productive Browns Tenure
Before joining Houston, Teller spent seven of his eight NFL seasons with the Cleveland Browns, where he established himself as a dominant force on the interior offensive line. Acquired in a trade from the Buffalo Bills, who drafted him in the fifth round in 2018, Teller quickly became a key fixture for the Browns.
His peak performance came during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, earning him three Pro Bowl selections and two second-team All-Pro nods. During this period, his Pro Football Focus grades soared, often reaching into the 90s and mid-80s, reflecting his high level of play in both run blocking and pass protection. He started 94 games for Cleveland, becoming a cornerstone of their offensive front.
Throughout his career, Teller has appeared in 109 NFL games, starting 101 of them. His ability to anchor the line and create running lanes was a hallmark of the Browns' ground game, which often ranked among the league's best during his prime years. His consistent presence was vital to Cleveland's offensive identity for several seasons.
Recent Struggles and Departure from Cleveland
Despite his past accolades, Teller's performance saw a decline in his final two seasons with the Browns, largely attributed to recurring injury issues. He was limited to just 13 regular season games in both the 2024 and 2025 campaigns. Last season, a calf injury sustained in a Week 13 game against the San Francisco 49ers significantly hampered him, nagging him for the remainder of the season before he was ultimately placed on injured reserve after Week 17.
His declining health coincided with a drop in advanced metrics. Last season, ESPN's pass block win rate metric ranked him 57th out of 65 qualifying guards, while his run block win rate placed him 40th out of 62. The Browns began rotating him with Teven Jenkins in Week 13, signaling a shift in their offensive line strategy.
Teller's departure from Cleveland became increasingly likely as his contract voided on February 10, making him a free agent. The Browns, in turn, made several moves to reshape their own interior offensive line, adding Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins, and re-signing Teven Jenkins. These moves, along with the potential retirement of veteran Joel Bitonio, paved the way for Teller's exit. Due to void years in his previous contract, Teller will still account for over $8 million in salary cap space for the Browns this year, and $11 million in 2027.
A New Role in Houston
At 31 years old, and turning 32 during the 2026 season, Teller arrives in Houston looking to revitalize his career. While he primarily played right guard for the Browns, reports suggest he has expressed interest in playing left guard for the Texans. This versatility could be a significant asset as Houston pieces together its starting five.
The Texans are banking on Teller's proven track record as a starting NFL guard, hoping that a change of scenery and a fresh start can help him return to form. His experience and leadership will be invaluable in a locker room with a burgeoning young quarterback. The team's aggressive approach to bolstering the offensive line underscores their commitment to contending in the competitive AFC South and providing C.J. Stroud with the best possible protection heading into a critical season.
Teller's two-year deal with Houston keeps him with the team through the 2027 season, adding a significant veteran presence to the Texans' offensive line.
