Although the Texans have been one of the NFL’s most disappointing teams, C.J. Stroud has not been the primary reason for Houston’s struggles. The fourth-year quarterback has shown improvement from his concerning conclusion to Year 3.

Stroud sits seventh in QBR and exited Week 7 with an 11:1 TD-INT ratio. This early-season showing bodes well for the quarterback’s upcoming negotiations, which are unlikely to resume until 2027. Stroud and the Texans could resume talks during the team’s Week 8 bye, but The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero notes the QB’s agent (David Mulugheta) does not do in-season extensions. This points to the sides huddling up next year.

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Rumblings about Texans talks with Stroud this offseason increased before Week 1, and while reports long gave a pessimistic outlook on a deal coming together this year, GM Nick Caserio said the sides were close.

“There wasn’t any reluctance; couldn’t quite come to agreement,” Caserio said (via KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson) of a Stroud extension. “Nobody is discouraged. Have a lot of respect for C.J. and David (Mulugheta). At some point, it will take care of itself.

“We had really good discussions. We were close. I don’t think anybody worried about it. He’s playing good football. That’s no surprise. We supported him all off-season when he was badmouthed for one bad half of football. The contract will take care of itself.”

To be fair, the Stroud criticism was based on more than one bad half. He fared poorly in Pittsburgh before the dud in New England during last season’s playoffs. A February report noting a 2026 extension was unlikely looked to set the tone for the team’s approach, and a September offering indicated Stroud was eyeing the changes that could be coming on the QB market in 2027 as potential fuel for his own extension.

Plenty of football remains this season, so Stroud has not solidified his candidacy for a potential $60MM-per-year payday just yet. But he is off to a nice start. Caserio added (via Wilson) he expects a deal to come together next year.

Patrick Mahomes boosted the market to $64MM AAV via his third Chiefs contract, and other matters will come up in 2027 as well. Lamar Jackson holds Dak Prescott-like leverage against the Ravens, though his latest injury hiatus may offer big-picture complications, while Joe Burrow could aim to come back to the table with the Bengals. Bryce Young, chosen one spot ahead of Stroud in 2023, is on a similar trajectory to the former Ohio State prospect. The Panthers and Texans respectively picked up each’s fifth-year option, buying both organizations more time. And both QBs are off to good contract-year starts.

Stroud attempting to ride his hot start to an in-season windfall would be interesting, but midyear paydays on this level are not common. Considering Mulugheta’s involvement and the theme of the offseason rumors coming out about this process, serious negotiations taking place in 2027 should be expected rather than an unusual midseason megadeal coming to pass.

The Texans showed some of their cards by sending the Cardinals a second-round pick for ex-Stroud Buckeyes teammate Marvin Harrison Jr., and the wide receiver boosting the QB’s stock would stand to be a win for all parties. Houston coming out of this season with confidence Stroud is the long-term answer would be a solid consolation prize, should what was supposed to be a defense-powered team be unable to dig out of this 2-5 hole.