The Houston Texans have secured a one-year contract with veteran guard Laken Tomlinson, marking a significant first step in their offensive line overhaul. Following the departures of key starters such as Shaq Mason and Laremy Tunsil, the Texans are intent on revamping their line to protect rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, who faced intense pressure last season. Tomlinson, 33, brings ten years of NFL experience and a notable track record of durability, having played 131 consecutive games since 2017. His familiarity with Texans' head coach DeMeco Ryans, dating back to their time in San Francisco, could help him regain his previous Pro Bowl form.

Tomlinson's past success in zone-blocking schemes suggests he will be an asset in the Texans' new offensive philosophy, which aims to incorporate these strategies. His addition signals a commitment to stability and performance improvement on the Texans' offensive front as they prepare for future seasons.