Grading the signing: Texans cap off trio of OL additions with arguably their best yet ahead of prove-it year for C.J. Stroud

The Texans have retooled their offensive line ahead of a major prove-it year for C.J. Stroud.

Brandon Little, Rob Gregson
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Jan 18, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) warms up before an AFC Divisional Round game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
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The Houston Texans had (and still have) a defense that could win a Super Bowl. It was the offense that let down the Texans in their postseason run, and the team has made some moves to help change that.

First came the trade for David Montgomery, then a ration of free agent signings to help bolster the offensive line and pass catching unit. But on Tuesday, the Texans may have saved their best signing for one of their last, bringing in a 3x Pro Bowler to anchor a trio of impressive additions up front.

Texans sign Wyatt Teller to a two-year deal

Early reports are that Teller signed a two-year deal at $16 million with a maximum value of $23 million. The Texans have now found three starters via Teller, Braden Smith at right tackle, and Evan Brown at right guard.

Teller boasts the best resume of any free agent addition for Houston, and at only 31 years old, he’s in the middle of his prime as an offensive lineman. To learn more about what Teller brings to Houston, here is Brandon Little of A to Z Sports Cleveland.

What are the Texans getting from Wyatt Teller?

“The Browns trading for Teller back in 2019 is one of their better moves in recent history. Cleveland sent a late-round pick to the Buffalo Bills and got a three-time Pro Bowler back in return. Teller was widely accepted in the locker room as well as the community around Cleveland.”

“Teller has had his fair share of injuries with the Browns, mostly missing a week or two here and there. On the field, Teller is a good run blocker and a below-average pass blocker. Teams that live by running the rock would be getting a nice fit for their system. Cleveland wanted to get younger on the offensive line and moved on from Teller despite his desire to return.” – Little

Final Grade: A

Teller may not offer elite upside as a pass protector, but he’s more than serviceable, and he will give the Texans an immediate boost in the run game. The two things that C.J. Stroud needs are a sound run game and better pass protection.

With three new offensive linemen up front and a strong 1-2 punch with Woody Marks and David Montgomery in the backfield, the Texans have made the requisite moves to build around Stroud, and now it’s time for him to deliver.

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