Steelers trade C/G Kendrick Green to Houston Texans, get 2025 draft pick in return

For the second time in three days, the Pittsburgh Steelers traded an interior offensive lineman, a player they had selected in the NFL Draft.

Center/guard Kendrick Green, a third-round pick in 2021, was sent to the Houston Texans on Tuesday in return for a 2025 sixth-round draft pick, according to a source.

A starter at center for much of his rookie season, Green was inactive for every game last season and was trying to earn a roster spot as a backup. He was traded two days after general manager Omar Khan sent guard Kevin Dotson, a fourth-rounder in 2020, to the Los Angeles Rams.

A year ago, Green lost the competition against Dotson to be the starting left guard. Now, both candidates are gone.

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Trying to get some value out of the 6-foot, 315-pound offensive lineman, the Steelers experimented with Green at fullback in training camp. He did not get any carries in the preseason as injuries on the offensive line necessitated him playing center and guard.

The Steelers apparently will enter preparations for the regular season with free-agent signee Nate Herbig as the most experienced backup interior lineman. First-round pick Broderick Jones and seventh-rounder Spencer Anderson will be the backups at tackle. Anderson also can play guard and center.

The Steelers must set their initial 53-man roster by 4 p.m. They entered the day with 70 players on the roster.