'No-Brainer,' C.J. Stroud's Contract Decision Discussed by Texans GM Ahead of NFL Draft 2026

The Houston Texans officially exercised the fifth-year option on star quarterback C.J. Stroud's rookie contract on Monday, giving them the next two years to negotiate a long-term deal.

Texans general manager Nick Caserio downplayed the move as simply part of the process of continuing to build around Stroud going forward.

"I don't really think that affects his future. He's our quarterback," Caserio said, per Kevin Patra of NFL.com. "We've said that from the beginning. DeMeco (Ryans) and I have both said it. I think that was really more of a procedural thing. I don't want to say it was a no-brainer, but it was kind of a no-brainer, so we're glad he's here. Again, it's more of a part of the process."

Stroud will be paid $25.9 million in 2027, which is a steal for a starting quarterback amid a booming market that has seen yearly salaries north of $50 million. If the Texans are unable to sign him to a long-term extension over the next two years, they will have the option of using the franchise tag on him after the 2027 season.

Stroud's performance in the postseason raised some questions about his status as Houston's franchise quarterback, as he threw five interceptions across two playoff games before the team disappointingly lost to the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round. However, Caserio added that he's been pleased with what he's seen from Stroud over the offseason, and he's confident that the 24-year-old will be able to bounce back during the upcoming campaign.

"We're excited about his offseason. I think he's had a good approach, had a good attitude here. I think he's put a lot of work in from, I'd say, March and April," Caserio said. "I'm so excited to have him around here in the spring and I'm excited to keep moving forward."