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C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans warms up before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Quarterback C.J. Stroud is under contract with the Houston Texans through the 2027 season following what general manager Nick Caserio called a “no-brainer” decision to pick up the former No. 2 overall pick’s fifth-year option on his rookie deal.
Caserio and the Texans have maintained their faith in Stroud, with the exec going so far as to downplay the decision to pick up the QB’s option rather than lock in a long-term agreement.
However, the Texans’ actions could be speaking louder than their words on Stroud.
C.J. Stroud Gets Reality Check After Contract Decision
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans takes the field before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
SportsRadio’s Sean Pendergast spoke candidly about his view on Stroud’s future with the Texans, comparing the QB to former Houston starter Matt Schaub. Pendergast called Schaub a “fringe top 12-type quarterback, and someone who warranted his contract.
Pendergast expects Stroud to be the Texans’ QB for the “long haul.”
However, there is a significant caveat that looms large amid the front office’s stance on a long-term contract.
“I think we’re talking about him as the Texans quarterback [in five years]. I’m confident. I don’t know that we’re talking about him in the tier that we talk about Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson, and guys like that every year” Pendergast told Zach Gelb on “365 Sports” on April 15, adding “he is a quarterback who’s probably a little bit like Matt Schaub was when he was here with the Texans for about six or seven years.
“I do think if he doesn’t have a great year or at least a good year this coming season, then he’s gone by 2027. They exercised his fifth-year option. That was probably done just as much to make sure they maintain control of him as an asset as much as they want him as their quarterback.”
Stroud ranks ninth in pass attempts and yards and 14th in touchdowns since 2023, per Stathead.
His 1.6% interception rate is tied for second-best among the 11 QBs with at least 1,400 attempts in that span.
Stroud’s 28 wins as the Texans starter rank eighth in the league since 2023. They rank fourth-most in the AFC behind Allen, Jackson, and Patrick Mahomes. That is lofty company for the beleaguered QB.
C.J. Stroud Set to Make Texans History
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans warms up before a game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Stroud is in a different situation than Schaub was at any point during his career. The Texans drafted Stroud second overall to be their franchise QB. They acquired Schaub, whom the Atlanta Falcons selected in the third round of the 2004 draft, as a veteran.
Stroud will also command a much larger contract than Schaub, who is the Texans’ all-time leading passer. Schaub also maxed out at a four-year, $62 million extension.
Stroud could be among the first NFL QBs to crack the $70 million threshold annually.
“I’m a C.J. Stroud supporter. I think he’s super talented. I do think he’s a good leader, and I’m confident in Nick Caserio, DeMeco Ryans, that the environment around him is always going to be one that’s conducive to success,” Pendergast said.
“He’s going to be a very good quarterback in five years. I think he’s the Houston Texans’ starting quarterback, making a lot of money, and quarterbacking a team that’s perennially in the mix to win the AFC South, and more often than not in the conversation to get deep into the AFC and the Super Bowl.”
2026 Critical for Texans
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans looks on after losing to the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Playoffs.
Caserio has shut down trade speculation. He also said recently that the Texans’ decision to pick up Stroud’s option was more “procedural” than an indication of their plans for him and doing a long-term extension.
“I don’t really think it affects his future. He’s our quarterback. We’ve said that from the beginning,” Caserio told reporters on April 13. “We’re excited about his offseason.
“Excited to have him around in the spring and excited to keep him forward.”
Stroud took responsibility for his poor performance this past postseason, which is why there are questions about his future at all. He has also made it clear that he wants to remain with the Texans as long as possible.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter
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