The Cleveland Browns’ offense, despite gaining enough young support this season, still fizzled out during the preseason games as the team lost two of their three matchups by two digits. To cast a darker cloud on them is news from the league office, fining their player after his act in the preseason. Interestingly, the NFL is proving the point that they are serious about protecting their players by refusing to continue what they have done all these years.

If you recall, the NFL rarely ever hands out a big fine to the players for their preseason mistakes because they are already receiving just a portion of their large contracts in those weeks. Last time, the biggest preseason fine was a whopping $43k, given to Kwon Alexander of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023. But while his five-digit fine came due to a reason, the same doesn’t match what was just announced for the Browns’ player.

On Saturday, the league announced a $12,537 fine to the Browns OT Tytus Howard for what it deemed unnecessary roughness during the first quarter of the first preseason game. was the biggest fine the NFL has announced for the 2026 preseason, although the league has not yet announced any fines for the third and final week of the preseason. This was Howard’s first tripping offense, given that the league would’ve charged him $18,507 if it had happened more than once. The play occurred on the first play of the team’s second possession and could be a big reason for hindering the team’s early momentum.

With Cleveland leading 3-0 early in the game, the Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson scrambled left. But before anything could happen, Howard was called for tripping and handed a 15-yard penalty then and there. The play was also deemed a ‘no play’ for the team. The Browns did not gain further advantage on the Bears in that entire quarter and ultimately fell 34-10 to the hosts.

Howard has not yet announced if he would appeal this punishment. But while the penalty would only be a scratch in Howard’s two-year, $45 million contract, it could be a problem for the Browns if it continues.

Howard is in his first season with the team after being traded this offseason, and the Bears preseason game was his first time wearing the Browns uniform, but for a squad featuring new OL players and chemistry still under work, these penalties could be a problem.

Why the Browns and Howard staying disciplined matters

This was Howard’s first penalty with the Browns, and the veteran brings experienced protection to Berea. But for an offensive line featuring many, if not all, new faces, discipline becomes very important. Howard is expected to be the starting right tackle in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars and will be joining rookie Spencer Fano at left tackle, Zion Johnson at left guard, and Elgton Jenkins at center. Meanwhile, Teven Jenkins and rookie Austin Barber are competing for the right guard spot. This change was necessary, considering how the team’s offense performed in 2025.

Last season, Cleveland’s offensive line ranked 28th in overall run-block grading (55.4) and tied for the worst pass-block grading (49.7) during the regular season, according to Pro Football Focus. They were also 28th in sacks allowed (51) and tied for sixth in sack yards lost (345). Not only could these penalties harm the team with an instant loss of yards but also hamper the momentum, as we saw against the Bears.

With a veteran but questionable quarterback now working under center, the Browns need to be more disciplined. In Howard’s defense, this may have been because of his newfound presence on the ground.

Howard spent seven years with the Houston Texans after being picked by the franchise in the first round (overall No. 23). But that changed earlier in March this year. The Browns’ pursuit of Howard was first reported on March 2, when Cleveland and Houston agreed in principle to a trade centered on a 2026 fifth-round pick.

Howard was entering the final year of his Texans contract, and the Browns also agreed to give him a new two-year, $45 million deal that would begin in 2027. On March 11, Cleveland officially completed the move. The deal was one of the Browns’ first major steps toward reshaping an offensive line that needed more stability heading into the 2026 season. But despite new surroundings, Howard is ensuring the team is building camaraderie to tackle the season together.

Tytus Howard gives an update about building O-line chemistry

Howard understands that not only is he new to the Browns, but some men surrounding him are also new. This means they need to build good chemistry, and soon. To help with that, the tackle has been using a tried-and-tested method.

Apparently, he is hosting dinner parties with the Browns’ offensive linemen to connect with them off the field so they can understand each other on the field too. Seemingly, it is also working.

On August 29, Tytus Howard spoke to the media about life in the Cleveland Browns locker room and his experience so far. Early in the session, one reporter asked him about being with a whole new O-line and the challenges that this posed.

“All five guys got to be on the same page at all times because if one person busts protection run play, that can mess up the whole play,” Howard answered. “Being able to get all those reps together and be able to be on the same page, especially with five brand new guys.

“It’s tough, but that’s something we’ve been working through the whole camp, and lately we’ve been getting a lot more reps together, so it’s getting better and better.”

Howard brings with him elite experience in sheer game numbers. In the last two years in Houston, he only failed to start two regular-season games. His dip in 2023 was because of a broken hand as well as a knee injury, which limited him to seven games. Still, there are some analysts, such as ESPN’s Seth Walder, who believe that the extension may have been an overpay for the now 30-year-old to solve their O-line issue, as he’s now earning about $21-22.5 million yearly.

In any case, for the Browns, protecting their QB1, who holds a blockbuster contract himself, will remain the top priority even if it costs a penny or two extra.