Further emphasizing their window to win, the Houston Texans have exercised the fifth-year options on the contracts of their two cornerstone players.
Locking up a star on both sides of the ball, the Texans committed to quarterback C.J. Stroud and defensive end Will Anderson, according to Wednesday morning report by ESPN’s Field Yates.
And most importantly, the move quiets any past noise about if they were going to stay invested in Stroud or would even consider trying to trade him this offseason.
C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson’s contracts could be favorable if they perform at a high level
Instead, Stroud, 24, is now due $25.904 million in 2027 while Anderson, also 24, is due $21.512 million, taking up a significant portion of their future salary cap space on two players, granted both contracts could also be viewed as favorable based on the market.
After taking steps as a team each of the past two years, both resulting in appearances in the Divisional Round, the pressure is on the Texans to get over the hump in one of the next two seasons.
Stroud needs to return to his rookie form for the Texans to get over the hump
As is often the case in the NFL, pressure on the team means most of that pressure is on the quarterback. And despite team success, Stroud has steadily regressed individually after making the Pro Bowl and being named Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023.
Last season, Stroud threw for 3,041 yards and ran for 209 more, but he recorded just 19 touchdowns with eight interceptions. Stroud also threw just one touchdown to five interceptions in two playoff games.
In 2024, he put up 3,727 yards through the air with 20 touchdowns and 12 picks.
But in 2023, Stroud entered the league at an elite level, tossing 4,108 yards with 23 touchdown passes and only five interceptions.
Anderson is coming off his best season yet
Just as important, Anderson will continue to anchor a defense the team relied on more than any other unit. The Alabama product, who was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, had the best season of his young career in 2025.
Anderson was credited with 54 total tackles (35 solo) and registered 12 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and three pass deflections. In three NFL seasons, Anderson has 136 combined tackles and 30 sacks.
Stroud’s athleticism makes him a viable option for a team with playoff aspirations, but his mistakes and turnovers need to improve, especially in big games, for the Texans to have a true chance at embarking on a championship run no matter how Anderson and the rest of the defense performs.