Cam Robinson signed with the Texans during free agency in a move which appeared to set him up for left tackle duties in Houston. The veteran blindside blocker could soon be on the move, however.
The Texans have discussed trading away Robinson, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. The team’s new-look offensive line has been a key storyline through the summer, and second-round rookie Aireontae Ersery has enjoyed a strong camp. If Houston is comfortable with him starting at left tackle, Robinson could be deemed expendable.
Houston gave Robinson a one-year, $12MM deal in free agency. Despite checking in as one of this year’s top free agents, the eight-year left tackle starter (with Jacksonville and Minnesota), Robinson does not look to have beaten out Ersery — added a month after the veteran’s Texans commitment — for the LT job. Schefter points to Ersery being set to start in Week 1, with KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson also indicating that will be the case.
Wilson adds the Texans — who made a host of offseason moves along their O-line — are likely to roll out a starting quintet that includes Ersery, Laken Tomlinson, Jake Andrews, Ed Ingram and Tytus Howard up front. That would mean the Texans will have one returning starter (Howard) from last season. Howard has bounced around Houston’s O-line during his career, but after being pegged as more likely to stay at guard, a shift back to RT looks likely.
After struggling to protect C.J. Stroud during a disjointed offensive season, the Texans’ O-line received a makeover. The team traded Laremy Tunsil and Kenyon Green, releasing Shaq Mason as well. Ingram came over in a trade after being benched in his Vikings contract year, while Andrews — a 2023 Patriots fourth-rounder — did not play a snap last season.
Robinson, 29, has drawn trade interest, according to Wilson. Nothing is imminent, however. He would be an expensive swing tackle if Houston were to pass on a trade, and it would represent the first time the former second-round pick would have entered an NFL season as a backup. The Texans, though, also have 2024 second-round pick Blake Fisher as a swing option. Trent Brown has already been released.
Robinson has made 101 career starts, earning two Jaguars franchise tags before being signed to a three-year, $52.75MM extension. The Jags traded that contract to the Vikings last year, going with Walker Little — who signed an extension late in Trent Baalke‘s GM tenure — at LT. Robinson finished last season as the Vikes’ Christian Darrisaw replacement. He could be on the move again today.
Adam La Rose contributed to this post.