While speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio revealed that he will address the future of quarterback C.J. Stroud “in the offseason” if the two sides don’t agree to a contract extension before the 2026 campaign gets underway.
On Wednesday, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler suggested that Stroud is just fine with remaining on his current deal after the Texans picked up his fifth-year option for 2027.
C.J. Stroud “will most likely” do this ahead of 2026 season
“Several people with knowledge of the situation believe Stroud is prepared to play out this season without a new deal, despite Houston making what it considered a competitive offer,” Fowler wrote. “There’s still time before kickoff to reach a deal — and the Texans’ front office is aggressive in re-signing core players — but the current sentiment is Stroud will most likely not end up with a new deal.”
What the Texans should offer Stroud, if anything at all, became an interesting topic after he tossed five interceptions and lost two fumbles over Houston’s two playoff games in January. While Stroud, the second overall pick of the 2023 draft, looked like a future superstar as he earned Offensive Rookie of the Year Award honors, he has since failed to routinely perform at such a level.
Will Texans regret not locking C.J. Stroud down now?
Big-money contracts handed to Tua Tagovailoa and Kyler Murray by their former clubs have been mentioned by those who think the Texans shouldn’t make a financial commitment to Stroud this summer. However, Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens and others could reset the market for the position next year, which could leave the Texans wishing they had taken care of Stroud if he ultimately plays well through January 2027.
“My understanding is Houston is prepared to put Stroud in what it feels is a strong place among the 12 quarterbacks in the $50M club,” Fowler added. “But like Jackson, Stroud can let an exploding quarterback market do the work for him if he waits an additional six to eight months. By all accounts, Stroud had a strong training camp and believes he can rebound from last season’s struggles. Houston is squarely in the Super Bowl discussion based on its talent level and elite defense. There’s a lot for Stroud to gain — and potentially lose — by delaying a deal.”
Like Jackson, Stroud seems to be willing to bet on himself. Perhaps Stroud will truly thrive in his second season playing under offensive coordinator Nick Caley.