Texans reach two-year deal with ex-Colts OT Braden Smith
Free agent offensive tackle Braden Smith has reached agreement with the Houston Texans on a two-year, $25 million contract, including $13.5 million fully guaranteed, agent Michael Perrett of Priority Sports told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
This is the latest move the Texans have made this offseason to improve their offensive line, following deals to re-sign Trent Brown and Ed Ingram. Houston also traded offensive tackle Tytus Howard (to the Cleveland Browns) and interior lineman Juice Scruggs (to the Detroit Lions) last week.
Smith, 29, made a successful return to the NFL last season after missing the final five games of 2024 for the Indianapolis Colts due to mental health issues. Smith finished that season on the non-football illness list, later revealing he was dealing with a debilitating case of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
But he returned last season after a breakout and started 13 games for the Colts at right tackle. Known for his powerful run blocking, Smith was part of an offensive line that helped running back Jonathan Taylor dominate most of the season before a late slump following injuries to the team’s quarterback.
Smith is a second-round pick of the Colts in 2018 who became a starter from day one of his career. This success helped him earn a lucrative contract extension in 2021, which made him the highest-paid right tackle in the league at the time.
He appeared in 107 games, starting 105, during his eight seasons in the NFL.
ESPN’s Stephen Holder contributed to this report.
