While the Houston Texans have been diligent throughout this offseason as it pertains to retaining and extending some of the key pieces around their roster, two major names that have yet to see those new contracts come to fruition are their pair of 2023 top-three picks, C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson.
Both of the Texans’ cornerstones roll into this offseason officially eligible to negotiate their respective rookie-scale extensions, and thus remain a focal point of their future endeavors for years to come. There have been no signs that Houston has had any intention to pivot off either, but there’s also yet to be much traction on their pending contract negotiations either.
However, it seems like the Texans have a plan in place as it relates to both Stroud and Anderson’s contract situations moving forward.
According to KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson, the Texans are expected to hold off on a long-term extension of Stroud and instead exercise his fifth-year option, while a major extension soon coming to form remains the expectation for Anderson.
“The Texans are expected to exercise the fifth-year club option at a cost of $25.9 million guaranteed in 2027 for Stroud rather than do a long-term extension at this time, per league sources. They are expected to strike a blockbuster contract extension for All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr. as soon as this offseason with discussions already underway with no deal imminent, per sources.”
Rather than hashing out a new hefty extension for both their cornerstones from the 2023 draft this offseason, the Texans are deciding to take a differing approach; inking Anderson to a new deal first, while Stroud will then wait his turn come next offseason to put pen to paper on an extension after a pivotal season.
What Will Stroud, Anderson Contract Situations Mean for Texans?
If all holds to form and this is indeed how the Texans’ contract landscape plays out for both names this offseason, it’s a logical route for Houston and their front office to pursue.
Anderson cemented in 2025 that he was one of the best edge rushers in the league, hands-down, after posting an All-Pro First-Team campaign as a pivotal piece on Houston’s elite front, and proved that he was more than worthy of a payday, whenever that opportunity had developed.
That payday could also end up as one that breaks some NFL records in the process, as Anderson has a real chance to become the NFL’s highest-paid edge rusher ahead of Cleveland Browns’ Myles Garrett, who sits at $40 million AAV on his respective deal.