The Houston Texans made an unexpected splash by signing veteran offensive tackle Cam Robinson to a one-year deal worth up to $14.5 million, per Dianna Russini. Robinson, a former Alabama standout and second-round pick, has logged eight years in the NFL, at left tackle for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Minnesota Vikings.
At 6’6” and 335 pounds, Robinson brings a physical presence to the Texans’ offensive line, but this move also raises new questions. Robinson has exclusively played left tackle in his NFL career, yet Houston’s current situation creates an intriguing puzzle.
Just hours earlier, Houston restructured Tytus Howard’s contract to create cap space, leading many—myself included—to believe Howard was being cemented as the Texans’ long-term left tackle following the trade of Laremy Tunsil. Now? That assumption is suddenly up in the air.
The Texans have multiple options with this revamped group. Tytus Howard offers versatility, having played left tackle, right tackle, and left guard in recent years. Robinson is a true left tackle, while second-year tackle Blake Fisher has experience on both the left and right sides.
There’s now a realistic scenario where Howard slides back inside to left guard, Robinson holds down left tackle, and Fisher mans right tackle. But it’s far from set in stone.
At minimum, this signing gives offensive coordinator Nick Caley, offensive line coach Cole Popovich, and head coach DeMeco Ryans flexibility. It’s also a reminder of something Nick Caserio mentioned last year after drafting Fisher: he likes to carry 3-4 true offensive tackles on the roster for depth.
My expectation coming into this offseason was that Houston would add help to the interior offensive line, but instead, they’ve added a premium swing tackle—or potential starter—who could change the dynamic of this group entirely.
Takeaways from this move:
Caserio often operates unpredictably. This signing wasn’t on many radars.
Early free agency signings don’t guarantee starting jobs. Players like Laken Tomlinson and Ed Ingram were assumed locks to start but that may not be the case after today.
There’s still time for additional moves, including the draft. The Texans—and other teams—could make post-June 1 cuts or trades to open more cap space.
For now, Houston fans are left speculating about how this offensive line will shake out in 2025. Whether Robinson serves as a high-end swing tackle or a starter at left tackle, his presence adds much-needed depth and versatility.
Stay patient—the Texans’ trench-building isn’t done yet.
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