Houston Texans Free Agency Day 2: Braden Smith Signed… But Is C.J. Stroud’s Offense Being Ignored

Day 2 of Houston Texans free agency is here, and the moves continue… but are they really fixing the offense for C.J. Stroud? The Texans signed veteran offensive lineman Braden Smith to a two-year deal, potentially locking down the right tackle spot. On paper, it helps stabilize Houston’s offensive line heading into training camp. But the big question remains: does this actually fix the offensive line, or is the offense still being neglected? We break down: Why Braden Smith could be part of Houston’s best five offensive linemen when training camp begins in July and August. The biggest OL debate: Smith at right tackle vs. moving him inside to guard. What happens if Trent Brown or Blake Fisher wins the RT battle while Smith shifts to LG? Why it still feels like the Texans continue investing heavily on defense while the offense gets the leftovers. Houston has historically spent big on defensive talent, but the offensive line has been a constant question. With C.J. Stroud entering a critical year, can the Texans finally build the protection he needs? Plus, we dive into the bigger picture:What will Nick Caserio’s legacy be in Houston? Will he be remembered as the GM who built a contender… or the one who never solved the offensive line for Stroud? We also explain why the Texans could still address major offensive needs in the 2026 NFL Draft and why Houston may ultimately stay in the first round to do it. Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! TurboTax This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel FanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. 5-Hour ENERGY Have your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.