Texans QB C.J. Stroud Unbothered by Contract Extension Talks
The Houston Texans are coming off their third straight postseason appearance, although each one has ended with a Divisional Round loss.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans has led the Texans to two AFC South titles and has won 10 or more games in each of the three years he has been there, but getting over that Divisional Round hump is something pressing in Houston.
The play of quarterback C.J. Stroud is another aspect that has been under the microscope, and the former Ohio State star threw just one touchdown and four interceptions in the Divisional Round loss to the New England Patriots.
The turnovers are something Stroud needs to improve, especially with contract extension questions looming over him at the moment.
Stroud's fifth-year option was picked up going into 2026, and he is now eligible for an extension for the first time since being taken No. 2 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.
However, Stroud insists he isn't thinking too much about a new deal, at least not right now.
"I let my agent handle that. If it's time to do it, then it is," Stroud said, via DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN. "My job is football. That's what I'm focused on, just getting better. I think I've held my bargain up. Whatever happens, happens."
Stroud threw for 3,041 yards with 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions in the 2025 regular season, posting career lows in yards and touchdowns, although he played in just 14 games.
Still, Stroud had a whopping 4,108 yards in his rookie season in 15 games, so the Texans are surely hoping for a big step up from their signal-caller going into 2026.
What is Stroud's Projected Contract Number?
Despite the uneven performance in the postseason during Stroud's time, the Texans should be attempting to keep the QB in town for the long haul.
Spotrac has Stroud's projected market value at three years at $154.8 million, which is at $51.6 million per year on average.
That would put him just outside the top-10 in the league, and right above Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts.
On one hand, that is a lot of money for somebody who has been inconsistent when it matters most. On the other hand, the Texans are hoping Stroud can take a giant step forward and show he is worth that big of a payday.
Related: Texans Make Decision on C.J. Stroud, Will Anderson
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This story was originally published May 29, 2026 at 7:10 AM.