C.J. Stroud Rumors: NFL Coaches, Execs View Texans QB Among 'Premier Franchise QBs'

As he enters his second season in the NFL, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is already regarded as one of the top signal-callers in the league by coaches and executives.

"The 2023 first-rounder is already viewed around the league as one of the premier franchise quarterbacks in the game," The Athletic's Jeff Howe reported on Monday. "It's impressive that's he's garnered so much respect from higher-ups across the NFL in such a short time."

Stroud is coming off a phenomenal inaugural season, leading the Texans to a surprise appearance in the divisional round of the playoffs and becoming the first player in franchise history to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

The No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 draft completed 63.9 percent of his throws for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns compared to just five interceptions. He also added three more scores on the ground.

He picked up right where he left off to begin the 2024 preseason, finishing 9-of-14 for 129 yards and a touchdown through two appearances.

The Texans built around Stroud in the offseason, acquiring Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon in a March trade with the Cincinnati Bengals. Houston also added star wide receiver Stefon Diggs in a blockbuster deal with the Buffalo Bills on April 3.

Stroud will look to build upon his rookie campaign and help the Texans defend their AFC South crown starting with a Week 1 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts on Sept. 8.