New C.J. Stroud Rumors Cast Doubt on Potential Texans Contract Ahead of 2026 NFL Season

Following a brutal two-game stretch in the playoffs to end the 2025 season, C.J. Stroud might have to wait on a contract extension from the Houston Texans.

Appearing on the Saturday morning edition of SportsCenter, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported some people around the NFL believe Stroud could play the upcoming season without a long-term deal:

"I have talked to some people around the league who believe that Stroud might just play out the fourth year of his rookie contract and not get a deal this summer. Now, the Texans could certainly step up. They've been aggressive in the past trying to get deals done with veterans, but they've decided to pay some of the defensive guys. Haven't gotten something done with Stroud, some around the league believe that's a tell that maybe they just don't get something done this summer, but he's in position to ball out in Year 4."

The Texans picked up Stroud's fifth-year option for the 2027 season in April, so they still have him under contract for two years. They did, however, give their other first-round pick from the 2023 draft an extension this offseason.

Will Anderson Jr., drafted one spot behind Stroud, signed a three-year, $150 million deal that ties him to Houston through the 2030 season.

Amid trade speculation around Stroud early in the offseason, Texans general manager Nick Caserio told reporters in March they never doubted he would be their quarterback in 2026.

"We are not trading the guy. He's our quarterback," Caserio said. "He's going to be playing quarterback for the Houston Texans in 2026."

Despite the confidence of Caserio's comments about Stroud being with the team for the upcoming season, there has been no suggestion about a long-term deal right now.

Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 in Houston reported on May 28 there are no plans from Texans management to engage Stroud in contract talks.

Since a standout rookie season in 2023, Stroud's performance has been more erratic over the past two years. His overall numbers are good with 6,768 yards, 39 touchdowns and a 63.8 completion percentage in 31 starts since 2024.

On a per-play basis, though, Stroud has been below-average in certain categories. He ranked 29th out of 36 qualified quarterbacks in success rate in 2024 and 21st out of 33 in 2025.

The playoffs last season were a disaster for Stroud with six turnovers in two games, including four first-half interceptions in the divisional round loss to the New England Patriots.

Houston has lost in the divisional round in each of Stroud's first three seasons. He has thrown for 632 yards with one touchdown and four interceptions in those three losses.

The fifth-year option does give the Texans more time to evaluate Stroud as they determine their best path forward. If he plays well this season, they will be able to negotiate an extension next offseason going into the final year of his rookie deal.