In 2024, Stroud, the 2023 Related Press Offensive Rookie of the Yr, was sacked 52 instances, 14 greater than in 2023. The offensive line’s struggles performed a serious function in stopping the Texans from constructing on their shocking AFC South title the earlier season, as they completed with the identical 10-7 file and have been as soon as once more eradicated within the divisional spherical.
Houston overhauled the unit in the course of the offseason, releasing proper guard Shaq Mason, who performed 999 snaps in 16 video games final season, and permitting backup guard Kendrick Inexperienced, acquired in a 2023 commerce with the Pittsburgh Steelers, to depart in free company.
The Texans dealt guard Kenyon Inexperienced (together with a 2026 fifth-round decide) to the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2026 sixth-round decide and security C.J. Gardner-Johnson. They also packaged left tackle Laremy Tunsil with a 2025 fourth-rounder in a commerce with the Washington Commanders for draft capital: 2025 third- and seventh-round picks and 2026 second and fourth-round picks.
Houston signed left deal with Cam Robinson, proper deal with Trenton Brown and guard Laken Tomlinson to one-year offers throughout free company and agreed to a commerce with the Minnesota Vikings for guard Ed Ingram.
As ESPN.com’s DJ Bien-Aime noted in March, Tomlinson’s 9.1 % stress price ranked sixth-highest amongst left guards with no less than 300 pass-blocking snaps in 2024. The Vikings benched Ingram in Week 11 after he conceded a troubling 10 % stress price.
Brown’s 2024 season resulted in Week 3 after the 10-year veteran suffered a torn patellar tendon, whereas Robinson allowed a career-high 64 pressures, splitting time between the Vikings and Jacksonville Jaguars. (h/t Pro Football Reference)
The Texans’ offensive line does not look a lot better on paper. Coupled with Stroud’s shoulder soreness, it may very well be a recipe for catastrophe.
Whereas Stroud has three months to permit his shoulder to heal, he may very well be extra prone to endure a setback with each hit he takes in the course of the common season.
Contemplating the state of Houston’s offensive line, it is too early to sound the alarm.
