{"id":865676,"date":"2026-04-13T18:57:19","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T18:57:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/865676\/"},"modified":"2026-04-13T18:57:19","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T18:57:19","slug":"texans-c-j-stroud-gets-clear-words-after-no-brainer-decision","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/865676\/","title":{"rendered":"Texans\u2019 C.J. Stroud Gets Clear Words After \u2018No-Brainer\u2019 Decision"},"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 takes the field before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders.<\/p>\n

The Houston Texans<\/a> have left the door open for a long-term future without C.J.Stoud<\/a> as their starting quarterback. Texans general manager Nick Caserio<\/a>, who has been consistent in his messaging, put an even more authoritative stamp on Stroud\u2019s future.<\/p>\n

Stroud has been a polarizing figure this offseason following a tumultuous playoff performance this past season.<\/p>\n

The Texans, though, are clear on where they stand.<\/p>\n

Nick Caserio: C.J. Stroud is Texans\u2019 QB\"C.J.<\/p>\n

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

Accompanied by assistant GMs Chris Blanco and James Lipfort, Caserio met with the media ahead of the 2026 draft, but the discourse included questions about Stroud\u2019s future with the organization.<\/p>\n

The Texans picked up Stroud\u2019s fifth-year option, which keeps him under team control through the 2027 season.<\/p>\n

There has been no talk of a long-term deal, though, and the Texans are expected to wait<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t really think it affects his future. He\u2019s our quarterback. We\u2019ve said that from the beginning. DeMeco [Ryans]<\/a> and I have both said it. So, I think that was really more of a procedural thing. I don\u2019t wanna say, it was a \u2018no-brainer,\u2019 but it\u2019s kind of a no-brainer. So, glad he\u2019s here. Again, it\u2019s more part of the process,\u201d Caserio told reporters<\/a> on April 13.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re excited about his offseason. I think he\u2019s had a good approach, had a good attitude here. I think he\u2019s put a lot of work in from, let\u2019s say, March and April. So, excited to have him around in the spring and excited to keep him forward.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryans has been equally unequivocal in his support for Stroud, whom the Texans drafted in his first season as head coach.<\/p>\n

Ryans said Stroud has been \u201cdialed into the offseason.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s in full grind [mode] right now,\u201d Ryans said, per KPRC 2\u2019s Aaron Wilson<\/a> in March. \u201cI\u2019m excited to see what comes from the work that he\u2019s putting in. It\u2019s only going to be better. The mindset is right. Physically, he\u2019s in a really good space, mentally in a really good space. So I\u2019m excited to see him get back to work.\u201d<\/p>\n

C.J. Stroud Following Through on End-of-Season Promise\"C.J.<\/p>\n

GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans leaves the field after beating the Las Vegas Raiders<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Stroud has been visible this offseason, and in various ways, including getting in some work with a potential 2026 Texans draft target in Chris Hilton Jr.<\/a> Stroud, who was invited to participate in the Pro Bowl<\/a> this past season, said he would come back better after his poor showing.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor it to be on my plate, for me not to step up, it really hurts me,\u201d Stroud told reporters<\/a> in January. \u201cI know that I can do that. So, I just hope this city and this organization and my teammates\u2013and I know my teammates will\u2013but I hope everybody gives me a shot to do it again.\u201d<\/p>\n

He said he wants to stay in Houston, admitting it was out of his control and in God\u2019s hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can only, just move forward,\u201d Stroud said. \u201cBut I want to be here as long as I can. I love the city of Houston.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stroud will count<\/a> $11.5 million against the Texans\u2019 cap in 2026 and $25.9 million in 2027, if the two sides fail to reach a long-term deal before then. Caserio, who previously shut down trade speculation<\/a> around Stroud, and the Texans still have plenty of decision-making to do.<\/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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