The Houston Texans earned their first victory of the 2025 season, pitching a 26-0 shutout against their AFC South rivals, the Tennessee Titans, and have shuffled their roster with a trade in the aftermath.
Houston replenished their draft capital with a trade, sending veteran offensive lineman Cam Robinson to the Cleveland Browns, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on September 29.
The move has significant implications.
Texans’ Trade Cam Robinson to Browns
“Reliable veteran with 101 career starts,” Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz posted on X on September 29 before following up with, “Cam Robinson wants to play LT and he never really got a serious chance at doing that with the #Texans, especially with the organization preferring to go young at the position.
“The #Browns had a glaring need at LT and they make the trade for the respected veteran.”
According to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones, the Texans and Browns will swap late-round 2027 draft picks in the deal.
Texans get:
2027 sixth-round pick
Browns get:
Cam Robinson
2027 seventh-round pick
“This marks the second straight year that Cam Robinson has been traded midseason to a team that just lost a left tackle to injury,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero posted on X in reaction to the news. “Last year, it was from the #Jaguars to the #Vikings. This year, it’s from the #Texans to the #Browns, who play Minnesota on Sunday in London.”
The No. 34 overall pick in the 2017 draft, Robinson has earned $71.6 million in his career. He signed a one-year, $12 million contract in free agency this past offseason, of which the Texans paid roughly $9 million.
Cam Robinson Trade a Vote of Confidence 2nd-Round Pick Aireontae Ersery
Despite their investment in Robinson, the Texans quickly replaced him in the starting lineup with rookie second-round draft pick Aireontae Ersery as the veteran dealt with an injury, paving the way for the trade. Even when Robinson returned to full health, the Texans stuck with Ersery.
Quarterback C.J. Stroud named Ersery among the Texans’ young standout players in Week 4.
“A lot of our rookies are doing great,” Stroud told reporters. Tae had a great game. So, a lot of the guys that are doing big things in their first year, it’s going to be huge for us.”
Robinson was inactive for the Texans’ win against the Titans in Week 4, and the Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander posted the trade “made a lot of sense given the Texans have their LT.”
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans also explained that Robinson sought playing time.
The Texans’ offseason featured an overhaul of their offensive line that included the trade of Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders.
The Texans traded up with the Las Vegas Raiders during the 2025 draft to select Ersery, sending out picks Nos. 58 (Jack Bech) and 99 (Charles Grant) in exchange for the No. 48 overall selection.
Aireontae Ersery Delivered on Postgame Promise
The Texans may have held on to Robinson rather than trade him had Ersery continued to struggle in pass protection. However, the former Minnesota Golden Gophers standout vowed to be better after the Texans’ Week 3 loss to the Jaguars.
Ersery told KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson, “I take responsibility,” and that he “didn’t play up to the standard” after that loss.
He expressed similar sentiments after their loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1.
According to Pro Football Focus, Ersery’s pass blocking grade dropped for the second straight game, and his run blocking hit a new low. So, there remains plenty of room to grow for Ersery, especially as the Texans face more ferocious pass rushes.
The Texans already needed Ersery to make that progress, but their trade sending Robinson to the Browns has put additional pressure on the rookie to perform.