The Houston Texans’ NFL 2025 journey so far has been anything but impressive. They went for three straight losses and were carrying the worst offense of the season (league-low 12.7 points per game). But the Texans turned the tables against the Tennessee Titans and won the game with a dominating 26-0 score. Although the team got into the winning column, there was one inactive player who raised concerns. 

It was a healthy Cam Robinson warming the benches in the game against the Titans. He played in Houston’s first three games but made just one start. All of this was a clear indication that his time with the Texans was limited, and what followed next proved every prediction right. The Cleveland Browns traded for  Cam Robinson. This was an exchange for a swap of late-round picks in 2027. What makes this trade deal more interesting? Texans invested big in Robinson but received minimal return. 

According to the latest tweet of Spotrac, the Texans have paid a whopping $9.5 million to Robinson for just 59 snaps. “#NFL TRADE  #Browns Acquire OT Cam Robinson ($2.5M) 2027 7th Rd Pick #Texans Acquire 2027 6th Rd Pick. Houston paid out $9.5M for 59 snaps of work” Spotrac tweeted 

Cam Robinson signed a 1 year $12 million deal with the Texans as a free agent. This contract had $8.75 million as a signing bonus with an average salary of $12 million. It also had $10.75 million guaranteed with a base salary of $1,555,556, a cap hit of $3,011,437, and a dead cap value of $1,555,556. 

Spotrac mentions Houston paid $9.5 includes $8.75 million signing bonus plus whatever Robinson earned through the season in the form of base salary. All of this money was paid by the Texans for just 59 snaps and his single start in week 1 of the season. Not to forget that the team will also carry a $7 million dead cap charge in 2026 for Robinson. 

Although Texans’ HC DeMeco Ryans said that the trade was made to allow Robinson to play, it has taken a heavy toll on the Texans’ spending, and that too without getting much in return. “Cam wants to play. So, it gives him an opportunity to do that. We wish Cam nothing but the best. He has done everything in the right way. So, we wanted to do right by him and give him the opportunity.” But this statement might be just the tip of the iceberg, as there is much more to his departure from the  Texans. 

Cam Robinson never got the role he deserved with the Texans

After signing as a free agent with the Texans in March, Cam was never able to strengthen his position at left tackle. Right from the beginning of the NFL 2025 season, it was Rookie Aireontae Ersery who had secured his starting role on the left side. He started all four games for the Texans. The second-round pick was even praised by HC Ryans. “Ersery has got a really good job. Still has ways to go. Still has room to grow. The trade was separate from each other. It has nothing to do with Cam.” Ryan said. 

All this made Robinson’s path to playing a vital role in the team a bit longer. According to the reports, Cam wanted to play left tackle on the team but failed to secure the position. The main reason behind this? Texans were always inclined towards younger players for this position. 

Even when Robinson played the first game for the Texans after right guard Ed Ingram was sidelined, the team had to make multiple adjustments. Tytus Howard was shifted to right guard, and Aireontae Ersery was moved to right tackle. But when Ingram recovered and was back in the team, Howard came back to right tackle, and Ersery returned to left tackle. This again put Robinson on the backup bench. 

But now, when the Browns had a void at the left tackle position after Dawand Jones’s injury, they found it right to settle for the veteran LT Cam Robinson. Only time will tell how well this trade will turn out, as the Browns will soon be testing their trade effectiveness against the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.