Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio called speculation about a potential trade centered around quarterback C.J. Stroud “moronic” while addressing reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday (February 24).
“We are not trading the guy. He’s our quarterback,” Caserio said in response to the rumors via ESPN. “He’s going to be playing quarterback for the Houston Texans in 2026.”
Stroud’s name was mentioned in trade speculation after being responsible for seven turnovers during the Texans’ two playoff games, which included four interceptions in the 28-16 AFC Divisional Round loss to the New England Patriots. The former Ohio State standout was selected by Houston at No. 2 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft and set career-highs during his first season, throwing for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions, while leading the Texans, who finished 3-13-1 the previous year, to a 9-6 record and playoff berth, as well as winning Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Stroud has, however, seen a decrease in production since, throwing for a career-worst 12 interceptions in 2024 and a career-low 3,041 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2025, albeit missing three games due to a concussion. The 24-year-old is eligible for a contract extension for the first time in his NFL career, but Caserio wouldn’t reveal whether that was in the franchise’s plans this offseason.
“He’s been a good player and won a lot of football games,” Caserio said via ESPN. “Quarterback is the hardest position to play in sports. He had some ups and downs — that’s natural for a position, but overall, he’s had a pretty significant impact on what we are as a program. … He’s not going anywhere.”