New NFL Rumors on C.J. Stroud, Potential Texans Contract Extension as Execs Sound Off on QB

The Houston Texans wasted no time in signing one of their 2023 first-round draft picks to an extension this offseason, but the other is still waiting to get a long-term deal.

Per ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime, the Texans have not yet engaged C.J. Stroud in serious contract talks with no indication from head coach DeMeco Ryans about their plans for the veteran quarterback:

"As of late April, Houston and Stroud had yet to engage in serious extension talks, according to league sources. So which way is Houston leaning? Coach DeMeco Ryans isn't tipping his hand. Despite buzz around the annual league meetings in March about what the Texans should do, Houston's coach kept a firm poker face in Phoenix — declining to offer any insight into Stroud's contract."

Bien-Aime added that a poll of various NFL executives asking how they would handle Stroud's contract didn't provide much clarity, as the "responses ranged from 'They gotta pay him' to 'Wait.'"

One NFC executive suggested an offer that would put Stroud in the range of the top eight to 12 highest-paid quarterbacks, or play out the final two years of his rookie deal and use the franchise tag.

"Offer him something like top 8-12 [QB] money," the executive said. "I'd try to give him a three-year extension at like $42-45 million per year now. Or plan to franchise him out like [Dallas Cowboys QB] Dak Prescott in 2020."

The range in salary between the eighth- and 12th-highest paid quarterbacks is $45 million (Patrick Mahomes) to $52.5 million (Justin Herbert) per season.

An AFC executive told Bien-Aime they would wait to let Stroud play out his rookie contract because it's team-friendly and allows the Texans to gather more information as they determine if he's the best long-term option for them.

"It hasn't been perfect," the AFC executive said. "That defense has carried a lot, $25 million isn't crazy for the [fifth-year] option, so you keep your leverage, get another year of info on durability, production, mental toughness, all of it."

The Texans selected Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. back-to-back in the 2023 draft. Anderson signed a three-year, $150 million extension last month that made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

Houston also gave Anderson a no-trade clause, which only eight other players in the NFL have. He is the only non-quarterback with a no-trade clause.

Stroud, on the other hand, is still waiting after having a disastrous postseason performance. He completed 51.9 percent of his attempts for 462 yards with two touchdowns and seven turnovers (five interceptions, two lost fumbles) in two games.

Since winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, Stroud's numbers have declined in each of the past two seasons. He set career-lows in 2025 with 3,041 passing yards and 19 touchdowns.

There were some metrics that suggested Stroud had the best year of his career last season. His 61.7 QBR was better than his rookie campaign (58.3) and ranked 11th among all qualified quarterbacks.

The Texans did exercise Stroud's fifth-year option for the 2027 season, so they have him under contract for two more years regardless. General manager Nick Caserio has said in no uncertain terms they won't consider trading the 24-year-old.

Until the Texans extend Stroud, there is going to be an intense spotlight on him because of how last season ended. He has presided over arguably the most successful period in franchise history.

Houston has made the playoffs in each of Stroud's first three seasons. Its 12 wins in 2025 tied the most in a single season in franchise history, but he hasn't been able to get past the Divisional Round to this point.