Earlier this offseason, signs pointed to hesitancy on the a part of the Texans regarding a C.J. Stroud extension being worked out in 2026. It appears a deal remains to be not imminent on this case.
ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime reports there have yet to be “serious extension talks” at this point. Houston made the apparent decision of picking up Stroud’s fifth-year option this spring, doing the identical for edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. The latter recently inked an enormous second contract, one carrying a non-QB record average annual value of $50MM.
The Texans’ attention could now turn to Stroud if their goal is to work out a long-term contract before the most recent inevitable jump within the quarterback market. Then again, the previous No. 2 pick’s statistical regression over the past two years in comparison with his stellar rookie campaign led to some executives Bien-Aime spoke with recommending a patient approach from Houston. Consequently of the choice decision, Stroud will likely be under team control through not less than 2027.
The franchise tag looms as one other technique of keeping Stroud within the fold for the short term, although using it could involve considerable up front cap commitments. An extended-term extension, against this, would presumably carry a much larger AAV but allow Houston to opened up the cap charges over an prolonged period. In any case, finding common ground on the worth of a possible second contract will likely be a central task for team and player.
10 quarterbacks are currently attached to deals averaging between $51MM and $60MM per season. Players from the 2023 draft are eligible to hitch that list, although the No. 1 pick in Stroud’s class (Bryce Young) is much from certain to land a big-money commitment from the Panthers. Anthony Richardson, taken fourth overall, stays a trade candidate because the Colts prepare to maneuver forward with Daniel Jones as their QB1.
Stroud has outperformed each Young and Richardson early of their respective NFL careers. The Texans have reached the divisional round during each of the past three years. This past postseason particularly, nonetheless, highlighted concerns related to turnovers in Stroud’s case. The 24-year-old also missed three games in 2025 attributable to a concussion. Those aspects, together with an inability to copy the efficiency of his rookie season, could lead on general manager Nick Caserio and Co. to attend before authorizing an extension.
The Texans have a young core anchored by their elite defense, and expectations will remain high for the team moving forward. One other renovation project along the offensive line, coupled with the acquisition of David Montgomery as a brand new lead running back, should help Stroud’s performances in 2026. If he’s to enter next season with a brand new deal in hand, though, there appears to be loads of work still to be done on the negotiating front.