The Houston Texans still have a major decision to make on C.J. Stroud, who saw 2023 draft classmate Will Anderson Jr. receive a historic contract extension on Friday.
The two players who were drafted as co-faces of the franchise have become case studies on how organizations handle production through a positional lens. Stroud plays the more important position (though EDGE rushers are close behind), while Anderson has been more dominant.
Both players have put in historic performances on the field, so Stroud’s day is expected to come.
C.J. Stroud Decision ‘Expected’ After Texans Extend Will Anderson Jr.
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans warms up before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
“Soon, quarterback C.J. Stroud is expected to receive a rich contract extension, barring any unforeseen circumstances or a significant dip in his production,” The Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander wrote on April 17, framing Anderson’s extension in relation to the rest of the Texans’ roster.
“But Stroud could see an extension next offseason as Houston may try to stagger the two. He too, will likely become one of the highest-paid players in the NFL.”
Stroud has been a top-third QB since he entered the league.
However, back-to-back seasons that fell short of his award-winning rookie campaign and struggles this past postseason have fueled doubts about his overall ceiling despite the good that he has done.
Texans GM Nick Caserio Gets Honest About C.J. Stroud
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans celebrates after defeating the Carolina Panthers.
The Texans picked up Stroud’s fifth-year option, which keeps him under team control through the 2027 season.
Texans general manager Nick Caserio answered questions about what that meant for the future.
“I don’t really think it affects his future. He’s our quarterback. We’ve said that from the beginning. DeMeco [Ryans] and I have both said it. So, I think that was really more of a procedural thing. I don’t wanna say, it was a ‘no-brainer,’ but it’s kind of a no-brainer. So, glad he’s here. Again, it’s more part of the process,” Caserio told reporters on April 13.
“We’re excited about his offseason. I think he’s had a good approach, had a good attitude here. I think he’s put a lot of work in from, let’s say, March and April. So, excited to have him around in the spring and excited to keep him forward.”
Super Bowl Champion Believes in C.J. Stroud
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans reacts after a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Stroud’s Texans teammate and Super Bowl champion offensive lineman Trent Brown spoke strongly about his QB, who owned up to his postseason struggles, during an interview with former NFL OL-lineman Terron Armstead.
“I expect C.J. to get better, bro. I think people be so quick to throw people away that they forget what you’ve done for them. You know what I mean? Even the buildup, you know what I mean? And so, I expect C.J. to get better, bro. I think C.J. is going to come in and be even more of a leader, better leader than he’s been. I think his approach will be different. Me and C.J. had a had a discussion, probably about a month and a half ago, and talked about the season and what … I felt that he could be better at,” Brown said on “The Set” on April 16.
“I think this offseason is just going–it’s a little different for him. And I think he’s going to surprise a lot of people, bro. I think people think that he might be down in the dumps, or they might be down in the dumps on him. But I think he going to surprise a lot of people, and I don’t even think it’s going to be a surprise. I think he’s just going to be a return to the pro that he is, and I’m excited for that. I’m looking forward to it.”
Stroud vowed to return to form soon after the Texans’ season ended. Caserio and Ryans have both praised Stroud to that effect, which bodes well for the Texans.
Texans’ C.J. Stroud Gets Good News After Super Bowl Champion’s Comments