With four days of free agency now behind us and the official league year now upon us, we have a better idea of what the Houston Texans have been doing this offseason. Much to the surprise of many Texans fans, the front office completely revamped the offensive line, releasing Shaq Mason and trading Laremy Tunsil and Kenyon Green.
Trading Tunsil to the Commanders was a particularly unexpected move. Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated's latest report, however, sheds light on the surprise decision by GM Nick Caserio.
According to The MMQB's Albert Breer, a 'borderline toxic' offensive line room sparked the Texans' overhaul of trades, including Laremy Tunsil's. https://t.co/ge4qxjC3jC
— The Texans Wire (@TheTexansWire) March 12, 2025
Toxic Texans Locker Room Big Reason Why Laremy Tunsil Was Traded
According to Breer, the situation in the Texans locker room got worse last year. Things in the offensive line room were especially toxic, per the NFL insider. Tunsil's inability to lead and set the tone for the rest of the unit was reportedly an impetus for the trade.
"Tunsil, to be clear, is well-liked in the Texans’ building. That said, he isn’t a tone-setter, and the offensive line room in Houston last year went the wrong way, becoming borderline toxic, which adds context to the trade of Kenyon Green and the release of Shaq Mason. "Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated
This could explain why Houston's offensive line struggled immensely last season. During the regular season, the Texans allowed 54 sacks, the third-most of any team in the NFL. In the AFC divisional round game against the Chiefs, they allowed eight sacks. As a whole, they ranked near the bottom in offensive line metrics on Pro Football Focus.
As a result, there will be major changes in how Houston lines up offensively. Tytus Howard will reportedly start at left tackle, with Blake Fisher taking over as the starting right tackle. New addition Laken Tomlinson is also expected to start in one of the guard positions. This completely revamped offensive line will hopefully do a better job of protecting CJ Stroud next season.