C.J. Stroud Contract Talks Updated by Texans GM Ahead of 2026 NFL Season

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio says there is a "possibility" quarterback C.J. Stroud could sign an extension this offseason.

"I'd say we've definitely had productive conversations over the course of this spring, so there's a possibility that something could come to fruition," Caserio told reporters Wednesday about Stroud's contract status. "We'll work through it and see what happens."

Stroud is currently signed through 2027 after the Texans activated the fifth-year option on his rookie contract.

Caserio also praised Stroud for both his attitude and work ethic in his fourth offseason with the Texans.

"He's had a really good offseason. It's probably the best offseason he's had since he's been here," Caserio said. "He's had a good attitude, he's been consistent, he's got the right mindset."

The Texans GM said Wednesday he feels comfortable with contract negotiations for other players including Stroud extending into the season if necessary.

"It's not necessarily about what other teams are doing. We're focused on the Texans, and we're focused on doing what we feel is best for our team," Caserio said.

Caserio continued, "You have contracts that get done in training camp, you have contracts that get done during the course of the season. One of the things that we've shown is that we're pretty flexible.

"So, engage in the discussions, try to figure out if we can agree upon a certain level that everybody's comfortable with. If we can arrive at that endpoint, great. If we can't, then maybe it's a further point down the road."

The Texans' delay in extending Stroud comes after the franchise signed Will Anderson Jr., selected one pick behind Stroud in the 2023 draft, to the largest non-quarterback contract in NFL history.

Caserio may now need to decide if he is willing to make a similar multiyear commitment to Stroud, who most recently led the Texans to a 9-5 record and a playoff win before throwing four picks in his team's divisional round loss to the New England Patriots.

A new contract this offseason would be a sign the Texans trust Stroud as a franchise quarterback who can finally lead his team to the AFC title game after three straight years of divisional round losses.