The Houston Texans and C.J. Stroud have agreed to pause contract extension talks until after the season. The decision was announced on Saturday, on the eve of the Texans’ season opener against the Buffalo Bills.
It follows weeks of summer negotiations between the parties while fulfilling a firm boundary set by the Texans general manager Nick Caserio. Caserio had earlier stated during training camp that negotiations would freeze in the absence of a deal by Week 1.
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Fans have expressed different views on the issue, with many posting their takes on X.
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Nathan Roberts wrote:
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“He’s definitely getting traded to the Browns this offseason.”
TB EGO commented:
“Texans rightfully being cautious.”
Brian Thomas remarked:
“Texans tryna get a discount.”
Dave Kowalski cautioned:
“Man, that’s playing with fire…for either side.”
Grandpa Bets wrote:
“This is going to age worse than the Fins extending Tua.”
Analog Kid said:
“Fun way to say that they don’t believe in him.”
C.J. Stroud’s contract situation with the Texans
The Texans reportedly offered C.J. Stroud a deal to put him in the $50 million annual average salary range. That average would have placed him alongside Tampa Bay’s Baker Mayfield, making him the 13th NFL quarterback to cross the $50 million threshold.
However, the soon-to-be 25-year-old and his agents passed on early signing, opting rather to bet on his stock to shoot up this season.
There’s a steady rise in the top end of quarterback compensation, with Patrick Mahomes currently leading the market with a $64 million annual average. Meanwhile, Lamar Jackson is also in active negotiations for a record deal with the Baltimore Ravens.
Furthermore, the 2024 draft class, including Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, and Bo Nix, are set to become extension-eligible next offseason. This will put Stroud in a position to reach the $60-70 million annual range, especially if he delivers an elite campaign this season.
The Texans don’t appear to be under much pressure from a cap management standpoint. C.J. Stroud is entering the fourth year of his $36.28 million rookie contract. The organization has also exercised his fully guaranteed $25.9 million fifth-year option for the 2027 season.
Hence, the Texans are in control of the situation, at least through the next two years. On the other hand, Stroud must prove to the franchise this season why he deserves a lucrative extension.
Edited by Kayode Akinwumi