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 significant 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 had been as soon as once more eradicated within the divisional spherical.
Houston overhauled the unit throughout 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 choose) to the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2026 sixth-round choose 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 p.c stress fee ranked sixth-highest amongst left guards with at the very least 300 pass-blocking snaps in 2024. The Vikings benched Ingram in Week 11 after he conceded a troubling 10 p.c stress fee.
Brown’s 2024 season led to 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 would not look significantly better on paper. Coupled with Stroud’s shoulder soreness, it could possibly be a recipe for catastrophe.
Whereas Stroud has three months to permit his shoulder to heal, he could possibly be extra prone to undergo a setback with each hit he takes throughout the common season.
Contemplating the state of Houston’s offensive line, it is too early to sound the alarm.
