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Texans Reach Deal With Former Cardinals Starter After Late Free Agency Decision – $3.5 Million Could Be a Bargain Compared to What He Promises to Bring to Houston

Houston, Texas – March 2026

The Houston Texans made another notable move in free agency after reaching a deal with veteran offensive lineman Evan Brown, a former starter for the Arizona Cardinals. The agreement came relatively late in the free-agency cycle, but it could turn out to be one of Houston’s most quietly valuable signings of the offseason.

According to multiple NFL reports, Brown signed a one-year deal worth up to $3.5 million with the Texans. At first glance, it may look like a simple depth addition. However, inside Houston’s building, the move represents something more important — experience and stability for an offensive line that is being rebuilt to protect franchise quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Brown is far from an unknown name around the league. Over the past two seasons in Arizona, he started all 28 games he appeared in, serving as one of the Cardinals’ most dependable offensive linemen. Across his career, Brown has appeared in 85 games with 68 starts, building a reputation as a reliable and versatile interior blocker.

One of the key reasons the Texans targeted Brown is his positional flexibility. Throughout his career, he has played both center and guard, giving Houston’s coaching staff multiple options as they reshape the offensive line heading into the 2026 season.

After the deal became official, Brown spoke openly about why he chose Houston and what he hopes to bring to the team.

“When people hear $3.5 million, they might think it’s just a small contract,” Brown said. “But for me, it’s an opportunity to prove my real value. I didn’t come to Houston just to fill a roster spot — I came here to help build an offensive line that can take this team deep into the postseason.”

Brown also made it clear that protecting Stroud will be the group’s top priority.

“C.J. is one of the most talented young quarterbacks in the league,” Brown added. “Our job is simple: keep him clean, open lanes in the run game, and help make this Texans offense one of the most dangerous units in the NFL.”

Houston has now invested more than $65 million in offensive line contracts this offseason, signaling a clear organizational priority — building a strong protective front around Stroud as the Texans aim to remain contenders in the AFC.

And at just $3.5 million, many analysts believe Houston may have quietly secured one of the best value deals of the entire free-agency period. If Evan Brown continues the steady play he showed in recent seasons, the Texans may have landed a veteran piece capable of making a much bigger impact than the price tag suggests.

Rookie David Montgomery Speaks Out, Asserting Houston Gave Him a Chance to Escape Gibbs' Shadow – His Latest Comments Have Texans Fans Moved
Houston, Texas – David Montgomery, the new running back for the Houston Texans, has shared his heartfelt thoughts about the fresh opportunity he has been given at his new team. After spending the 2025 season as a backup in the Detroit Lions due to the rise of Jahmyr Gibbs, Montgomery has found new hope with the Texans, where he is set to take on a starting role once again. The 2025 season for Montgomery was not an easy one. After several impressive years, he was forced to relinquish his starting role to Gibbs, who has become one of the NFL's best running backs. As a result, Montgomery was not given the chance to start any games for the Lions, a situation that led him to seek out a new team where he could showcase his talents once again. Montgomery has now found that opportunity with the Houston Texans, where he will no longer be in the shadow of another star. Becoming the starting running back for Texans is a priceless opportunity for him, and this will be the first time in several seasons that he will be playing in a role where he truly belongs. Texans are in the process of rebuilding their roster, and Montgomery is a key part of that plan. In a recent interview, Montgomery shared his emotions and determination regarding his move to Texans. He said:"I’ve always started at least 13 games each season, until Gibbs emerged and I no longer had the opportunity to play. Now, at Texans, I will be the starting back, and I am so grateful to the team for giving me this chance. I’m more of a show than a tell kind of guy. Give me time to prove I’m worthy of the fans' expectations." His words have deeply moved Texans fans, especially as he shows his resolve and belief in himself. Not only does he want to prove that he can do more than just be a power back, but he also wants to show that he is a versatile player who can contribute in many areas of the game. Before joining the Lions, Montgomery was the starting running back for both the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions from 2020 to 2024, always one of the most reliable ball carriers on the team. However, with Gibbs' rise to stardom, he was pushed to a backup role in the Lions lineup. Now, he will have the chance to return to his starting role at Texans, where he will play alongside CJ Stroud and other teammates, helping to create a strong offensive unit. When Texans signed Montgomery, the fans were not only expecting a powerful running back, but also hoping he would be the missing piece to strengthen the team's offense. Texans need a running back who is not only strong but also versatile in various situations, and Montgomery is the ideal choice. Montgomery knows the upcoming season will be a big challenge. But he also understands that this is an opportunity he cannot let slip away. With high confidence and determination, Montgomery is preparing to showcase everything he has to offer. Texans are not only hopeful for Montgomery's development, but they also expect him to be an important part of the team’s offensive evolution alongside CJ Stroud and other young talents. With his powerful running game and newfound versatility, Montgomery could be the player to help Texans achieve great things in the upcoming season. The feeling of Montgomery joining Texans is a mix of excitement and pressure. But one thing is clear: he will not just be a powerful back, but a dynamic player ready to help take this team to new heights. With the goal of proving himself, Montgomery will not let this opportunity go to waste. Texans fans can look forward to an exciting and promising season from this new addition to the roster, who is determined to earn his place as a key part of the team.