Report: 'Borderline toxic' O-line room sparked Texans' overhaul

A fractured offensive line room was seemingly behind the Houston Texans' surprise decision to revamp their offensive line group.

Houston's O-line went the wrong way last year and became "borderline toxic," according to Albert Breer of The MMQB. The team made multiple trades this week, including a deal that sent five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders.

The Texans traded Tunsil to the Commanders on Monday in exchange for multiple draft picks, including a 2025 third-rounder and a 2026 second-round selection. Houston also dealt 2022 first-round guard Kenyon Green to the Philadelphia Eagles for safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson on Tuesday. The club already decided to release veteran guard Shaq Mason last week.

Tunsil's trade was the more surprising one, as the 30-year-old was Houston's most established lineman and responsible for protecting C.J. Stroud's blind side. Tunsil - who originally joined the Texans as part of a blockbuster 2019 trade from the Miami Dolphins - is signed through the 2026 season and was well-liked in the team building, according to Breer. However, he reportedly wasn't a "tone-setter."

Returning to the Texans in 2025 are linemen Juice Scruggs, Tytus Howard, and Blake Fisher, all of whom started at least five games in 2024. Houston is also signing veteran Laken Tomlinson, who could start at guard after agreeing to join the team Tuesday.

The Texans - who have won the AFC South in the past two seasons - allowed 54 sacks last year, tied for the third-worst mark in the NFL.