Quarterback C.J. Stroud tossed four first-half interceptions in the Houston Texans’ 28-16 divisional-round playoff loss to the New England Patriots.
Shortly after, Texans general manager Nick Caserio noticeably declined to confirm that he would pick up the fifth-year option for 2027 attached to Stroud’s rookie contract or attempt to sign Stroud to an extension.
Some understandably wondered if Caserio could at least consider trading Stroud to an interested team before or during the upcoming NFL Draft. While speaking with reporters at the scouting combine on Tuesday, Caserio made quite a statement about such speculation.
Texans GM Nick Caserio shuts down “moronic” C.J. Stroud trade rumors
According to Aaron Wilson of Houston’s KPRC 2, Caserio insisted that chatter about the Texans possibly trading Stroud is “moronic.”
“We’re not trading C.J.,” Caserio added. “We’re glad he’s our quarterback.”
In total, Stroud threw five interceptions and lost two of five fumbles across Houston’s two postseason games in January. Additionally, he’s gone 3-3 as a playoff starter since the Texans made him the second overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft. Nevertheless, Caserio strongly suggested on Tuesday that he has no concerns about Stroud’s ability to consistently win games on the biggest of stages.
Nick Caserio: C.J. Stroud “is our quarterback”
“He’s our quarterback,” Caserio later added about Stroud on Tuesday. “He ain’t going anywhere.”
Caserio also said that he and head coach DeMeco Ryans “have a lot of confidence” and “a lot of belief” in Stroud.
“This league’s about ups and downs,” Caserio continued. “Nothing’s perfect. There’s no team that was undefeated, unless I missed something, this year. …You’re gonna have some good plays. You’re gonna have some bad plays. You’re gonna have some good games. You’re gonna have some bad games. How do you bounce back? How do you handle that?”
Caserio’s comments indicate that he is serious about keeping Stroud atop the depth chart through at least the start of the 2026 season. That said, questions about Stroud’s long-term future with the Texans could continue to generate discussions on sports-talk programs unless he receives a multiyear commitment from the organization via an extension later this offseason.