C.J. Stroud Taking Different Approach To NFL Offseason After Playoff Collapse

The Houston Texans are entering a very crucial offseason with C.J. Stroud, make no mistake about it.

Stroud, the No. 2 overall pick from the 2023 NFL Draft, seemed well on his way to being a superstar. He had 4,108 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and only five interceptions, which led to him being the obvious choice for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Since that season, however, Stroud hasn’t been nearly as consistent.

Despite finishing the 2025 regular season with 3,041 passing yards and 19 touchdowns, Stroud crumbled in the playoffs. He had two touchdowns, five interceptions and five fumbles in two playoff games. His performances in the postseason were so brutal that Texans general manager Nick Caserio was asked if he’s fielding trade offers.

“It’s moronic. We’re not trading the guy,” Caserio told reporters. “He’s our quarterback. He’s gonna be playing quarterback for the Houston Texans in 2026. Anything beyond that, that’s your world. You guys can speculate on that. But we’re not trading C.J. Stroud.”

Caserio might believe in Stroud, but is the coaching staff also confident in him?

While at the NFL’s annual league meeting, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans provided an update on his 24-year-old quarterback.

Houston Texans quarterback CJ. Stroud (7) looks on after the game of an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Texans 17-10. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

Ryans told reporters that Stroud is “dialed in” this offseason. He also said his quarterback is in a “really good space” right now from a mental and physical standpoint.

“I see a guy who’s dialed in right now. He’s in full grind over right now. So, I’m excited to see what comes from the work that he’s putting in,” Ryan said, via Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. “It’s only going to be better. The mindset is right. Physically, he’s in a really good space, mentally in a really good space. So I’m excited to see him get back to work.”

That’s obviously what Texans fans want to hear after how the 2025 season ended. Of course, none of this truly matters until the games begin until September.

2026 will be a make-or-break year for Stroud.

As of this moment, the Texans are set to pay Stroud $5.697 million for the 2026 season. His rookie deal includes a fifth-year option for 2027 that’s worth over $25 million.

Earlier this offseason, ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported that an extension for Stroud could look something like $224 million over four years. However, there’s no guarantee the front office wants to get a deal done right now.

“Stroud’s situation is one to watch carefully,” Graziano wrote. “Again, the Texans tend to be generous with their extensions, so we lean toward predicting they’ll find a way to lock him up long term this offseason. But if this season has given them any pause, or if Stroud’s demands come in too high, this could drag out.”

If Stroud doesn’t receive a long-term extension this offseason, he’ll need to prove this fall that he’s capable of being a franchise quarterback. And even if he does get paid this summer, he’ll need to validate that decision by Houston’s front office.

This story was originally published by The Spun on Apr 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

C.J. Stroud Taking Different Approach To NFL Offseason After Playoff Collapse

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