New NFL Rumors on C.J. Stroud with Texans Contract Extension Talks 'On Pause' Before 2026 Season

C.J. Stroud may be the presumed long-term franchise quarterback for the Houston Texans, but that would require a long-term deal.

And those talks are reportedly on hold.

"Not a lot of momentum on a deal, talks are essentially on pause as of now," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Monday. "Now, Houston has been aggressive paying players, but they've been paying defensive players. … If they want to take care of Stroud, they're going to have to make some progress this summer. Otherwise, there are some people around the league who very much believe he will play out the fourth year of his deal and try to get his value up."

Stroud has one more season remaining on his contract before the $25.9 million club option for the 2027 campaign, so there is certainly something of a timeframe if a deal is going to happen.

There may be some questions about the Ohio State product after he threw four interceptions in Houston's playoff loss to the New England Patriots last season. He also posted career-low numbers during the regular season in passing yards (3,041) and passing touchdowns (19).

Still, Stroud also led the Texans to the playoffs in each of his three years under center since they made him one of the faces of the franchise as the No. 2 overall pick of the 2023 NFL draft.

He also made an immediate impact as the Offensive Rookie of the Year and a Pro Bowler in his first season when he threw for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and just five interceptions.

There is no doubting Stroud's overall talent, and there have been some injuries around him such as the one to wide receiver Tank Dell. The offensive line was also a major concern last season, which may have contributed to some of the quarterback's inconsistency.

And at just 24 years old, it is not unreasonable to expect Stroud to take another step in the next season or two even with extensive experience.

But it doesn't seem like there will be an immediate solution to his contract status given the latest reporting.