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Veterans who could replace Stroud underperformed in 2025 and are on expensive contracts. Miami Dolphins<\/a> QB Tua Tagovailoa, entering the third year of a four-year, $212.4M contract, tossed a career-high 15 interceptions in 2025. Arizona Cardinals<\/a> QB Kyler Murray, meanwhile, is entering the fourth year of a five-year, $230.5M deal and went 2-3 in five starts before missing the rest of the season because of a foot injury.\u00a0<\/p>\n So, Houston trading Stroud this offseason would be senseless. Still, that doesn’t change that he’s entering one of the most important seasons of his career in 2026.<\/p>\n Since winning the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, Stroud has regressed. The former Ohio State Buckeyes<\/a> standout posted career lows in passing yards (3,041) and passing touchdowns (19) in 2025. In the postseason, he threw two TD passes and five interceptions, costing Houston a chance to make its first conference championship game in franchise history.\u00a0<\/p>\n Better QB play would’ve helped the Texans win their first Super Bowl last season. Houston went 12-5, making the playoffs for a third consecutive season. The team finished second in the NFL in points allowed (17.3 points per game) behind the Seattle Seahawks<\/a> (16.9 PPG), Super Bowl LX champions.\u00a0<\/p>\n “I look back, and I just feel like I let people down, not happy with that,” Stroud told the media<\/a> after a 28-16 loss to the New England Patriots<\/a> in the AFC divisional round. “You know, it hurts.”\u00a0<\/p>\n Stroud promised to “respond” after the postseason loss to New England. If he doesn’t, his future will become murkier.\u00a0<\/p>\n Stroud is entering the fourth year of his rookie contract in 2026, which includes a fifth-year option. Spotrac estimates<\/a> his market value at $51.6M annually over a three-year deal, 10th among QBs. Houston can’t justify paying him that much if he produces another underwhelming season in 2026.<\/p>\n Caserio isn’t planning to trade Stroud this offseason. However, if the situation remains the same in 2027, he may entertain offers for the passer.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nWhy C.J. Stroud remains on the hot seat heading into 2026\u00a0<\/h2>\n