{"id":864637,"date":"2026-04-12T07:57:20","date_gmt":"2026-04-12T07:57:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/864637\/"},"modified":"2026-04-12T07:57:20","modified_gmt":"2026-04-12T07:57:20","slug":"c-j-stroud-spotted-with-potential-texans-target-amid-comments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/864637\/","title":{"rendered":"C.J. Stroud Spotted With Potential Texans Target Amid Comments"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"C.J.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans reacts after defeating the San Francisco 49ers.<\/p>\n

This season is shaping up to be a critical one for C.J. Stroud<\/a>, who drew attention for connecting with a player the Houston Texans<\/a> could very well have their sights set on as the 2026 draft approaches.<\/p>\n

Stroud has been open about his struggles, and he vowed to come back better from them.<\/p>\n

The discourse around him has featured a tone of caution, albeit with some optimism that he can get back to his rookie form or at least close to it.<\/p>\n

C.J. Stroud Works Out With LSU\u2019s Chris Hilton Jr.\"Chris<\/p>\n

GettyChris Hilton Jr. #3 of the Louisiana State Tigers<\/a> tries to pull in a pass against the South Carolina Gamecocks.<\/p>\n

Stroud has been busy this offseason, and on Saturday, the Texans QB turned up in an Instagram video, getting on-field work in with former LSU Tigers wide receiver Chris Hilton Jr<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cTexans QB C.J. Stroud working out with former LSU WR and 2026 draft prospect Chris Hilton Jr.,\u201d Sleeper affiliate Jacob posted<\/a> on X on April 11, including the video of the session. \u201cStroud has been working out in California with his QB Coach Adam Dedeaux (Train3DQB) who trains many other NFL QBs including last years MVP Matthew Stafford<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Texans QB C.J. Stroud working out with former LSU WR and 2026 draft prospect Chris Hilton Jr.:<\/p>\n

Stroud has been working out in California with his QB Coach Adam Dedeaux (Train3DQB) who trains many other NFL QBs including last years MVP Matthew Stafford. <\/p>\n

Hilton is a polarizing prospect<\/a> whose speed could lead teams to overlook his red flags.<\/p>\n

\u201cHilton\u2019s NFL<\/a> grade is based entirely on speed and potential, as he couldn\u2019t put together a full season as a starter at LSU (mostly because of injuries),\u201d The Athletic\u2019s Dane Brugler wrote in his \u201cThe Beast<\/a>\u201d draft guide. \u201cHe is a developmental vertical threat \u2014 but needs a lot of work.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hilton is Brugler\u2019s WR50, which could make him a target for the Texans after the draft amid his budding chemistry with Stroud.<\/p>\n

C.J. Stroud Sparking Polarizing Discourse\"C.J.<\/p>\n

GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans walks off the field after losing to the New England Patriots<\/a> in the AFC Divisional Playoffs.<\/p>\n

Stroud\u2019s postseason shortcomings during the Texans\u2019 postseason run have been highlighted this offseason, particularly amid the uncertainty around his long-term future.<\/p>\n

The Texans have expressed their faith<\/a> in Stroud and picked up his fifth-year option.<\/p>\n

However, the lack of expectations for a contract extension speaks volumes. Fox Sports\u2019 Nick Wright compared the situation to the \u201cmistake\u201d the Arizona Cardinals<\/a> made with Kyler Murray<\/a>, extending him after a \u201ccatastrophe of a performance\u201d in the playoffs.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am not opposed to telling my potential franchise quarterback on a rookie deal, \u2018We love you. You\u2019re our guy. We\u2019re not ready to pay you yet.\u2019 If I\u2019m Houston, I am really spooked by those two playoff games. 5 fumbles in the first one, 4 picks in the second one, and a guy who looked shaken to his core. There is no chance in hell I\u2019m extending him this summer,\u201d Nick Wright said on the \u201cWhat\u2019s Wright<\/a>\u201d podcast on April 11.<\/p>\n

\u201cPicking up the fifth-year option is a no-brainer. I also think this is a no-brainer. I need to see what he looks like next year, and then we can have the discussion.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stroud lost 2 of those fumbles in a game the Texans won against the Pittsburgh Steelers<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Notably, the Cardinals<\/a> took a sizeable cap hit and cut Murray this offseason. Murray, the No. 1 pick in 2019, signed with the Minnesota Vikings<\/a> in free agency. He is expected to start over 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Texans surely hope to avoid a similar outcome with Stroud, who they selected second overall in 2023.<\/p>\n

Texans\u2019 Super Bowl Chances \u2018on C.J. [Stroud]\u2019s Shoulders\u2019\"C.J.<\/p>\n

GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans looks on during warm-ups before facing the Las Vegas Raiders<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Washington Commanders<\/a> defensive lineman and former Kansas City Chief<\/a>s Super Bowl champion Charles Omenihu<\/a> spoke candidly about his thoughts on the Texans\u2019 reaching a Super Bowl and how it hinges on Stroud.<\/p>\n

Former NFL player-turned-media personality Emmanuel Acho<\/a> said he expects the Texans to win a Super Bowl with Stroud at the helm.<\/p>\n

Omenihu was not as convinced.<\/p>\n

\u201cI got to see it to believe it, bro. A Super Bowl? That\u2019s big. That\u2019s major. Super Bowl ain\u2019t no just small feat, bro. Thats major stuff,\u201d Omenihu said on \u201cSpeakeasy<\/a>\u201d on April 10. \u201cThey\u2019re going to win the division. But \u2026 if they\u2019re gonna win the division, they need to win it handily. It don\u2019t need to be where they\u2019re 11-6. Nah. It need to be like, \u2018Okay, we\u2019re a 12-win team.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt need to be where we got multiple home games in the playoffs. Like, \u2018Okay, if we go to the AC Championship Game, we ain\u2019t got a home game? Okay, fine. But with how they\u2019ve loaded up the roster, \u2026 it\u2019s going to be on C.J.\u2019s shoulders, for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

The expectations on Stroud speak to the bar that he has set for himself and the Texans as he heads into his fourth NFL season.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tJosh Buckhalter<\/a> 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<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Texans\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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