JANUARY 19: When chatting with the media on Monday, Anderson stated he hopes to spend his entire profession in Houston. Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 confirms talks on a mega-extension are expected, and it will come as no surprise if one were to be finalized throughout the spring.
JANUARY 12: For now, the Texans’ attention is concentrated on their upcoming wild-card game and any further playoff contests which follow. Once the season is over, various notable contract decisions will have to be made.
This offseason will mark the primary point at which 2023 draftees can sign extensions. Meaning quarterback C.J. Stroud and defensive end Will Anderson could land recent contracts relatively soon. At a minimum, a selection on the fifth-year option for each players will have to be made by the spring. Neither case should prove to be particularly difficult on that front.
To no surprise, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network confirms the Texans will exercise Stroud’s option (video link). That comes as no surprise given the 24-year-old’s success early in his profession. Houston advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs in each of Stroud’s first two seasons, and a win tonight will extend that streak to 3 years. Exercising the choice will set Stroud up for $26.53MM in 2027.
A protracted-term pact will in fact cost way more than that. Per Rapoport, the Texans will weigh the potential for figuring out a second contract this offseason against waiting until after the 2026 campaign is over. The market currently comprises 11 passers attached to a median annual value of $51MM or more. Stroud could be expected to affix that group every time his next Texans contract is in place. The status of negotiations will make for a central Texans offseason storyline.
Stroud was chosen second overall within the 2023 draft. Houston traded as much as the No. 3 spot so as to add Anderson. Expectations were high in his case consequently, but the previous Defensive Rookie of the Yr has developed into a significant factor in his team’s success. Anderson reached double-digit sacks for the primary time in 2024, and he set a brand new profession high in that department this season with 12. That production helped land him a first-team All-Pro nod together with the second Pro Bowl invitation of his profession.
Houston may even look into an Anderson extension this offseason, Rapoport adds. In November, it was reported the Texans were expected to explore an early agreement on this front. Picking up Anderson’s fifth-year option will tie him to a 2027 salary of $15.28MM. An extension could move the Alabama product near the highest of the pass rush market, one which is currently paced by Micah Parsons at $46.5MM per yr.
Figuring out an agreement with either Stroud or Anderson will in fact significantly alter the Texans’ cap outlook for years to return. A robust core is in place, but maintaining it can turn out to be more difficult as their respective costs increase. Massive recent deals being finalized in either case will come as no surprise, however the timing on each fronts will probably be interesting to watch.