The Houston Texans and C.J. Stroud are calling off their contract negotiations.
“The Houston Texans and quarterback C.J. Stroud made a run at completing a contract extension before the regular season begins,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on X on September 12, “but both sides agreed they now prefer to wait until after this season to work out a long-term deal, per @RapSheet and me.”
C.J. Stroud, Texans Call Off Contract Talks For 2026 Season: Report
“I’ve already reported this in previous stories,” The Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander posted on X in reaction to the update, noting “the #Texans offered him market value (in line with some of the top QBs current) and were prepared to pay him that, a source said, but were fine with him betting on himself.
“If he were to play well this season, he could make at least $10 million more per year, which the Texans would be fine paying him then.”
Alexander emphasized that “this was mutual.”
In response to a fan, Alexander said, “I do want to point out that neither side felt disrespected by the other,” adding. “Talks were amicable. (Also not saying there won’t be frustrations that a deal wasn’t done. But talks were cordial).”
Stroud is signed through the 2027 season thanks to his fifth-year option. However, his future beyond that has remained subject to speculation. This deal does not bring a resolution to some of the uncertainty around Stroud’s future with the Texans.
It does make it clear, however, that the two sides remain committed to finding common ground on a long-term deal.
“I talked about the Stroud extension pursuit again yesterday,” SportsTalk 790’s Adam Wexler posted. “Just Mahomes & Dak at $60mil+ AAV, 6 QB at $55mil (Allen, Burrow, Love, Lawrence, Baker, Stafford), 5 QB b/w $51-55, I thought there might be a window to make it happen. As in >$55m & <$60mil. I don’t know what numbers were discussed.”
For now, Stroud and the Texans will focus on the Bills and the 2026 season.
“Curious what the numbers were on each side and how close they actually got,” Houston Stressans (Garret Williams) posted on X in reaction to the news. “Not necessarily a bad thing for either side. I’m glad it seems like the entire process has been handled amicably with both sides clearly interested in getting something done long term.
“There were pros and cons for both sides on either outcome. Now we see how the season plays out.”
C.J. Stroud Poised to Cash in During 2027 Offseason
Stroud has drawn strong praise all offseason for the work that he has put in. He can also take the Texans’ rumored offer in the $50 million to $55 million range and push it closer to the $70 million figure that has also floated around this offseason.
However, the decision also just turned the pressure up on Stroud.
He performed poorly amid adverse conditions in the 2025 players. Fittingly, he has used that as part of his motivation for this coming season. Still, time will tell who this decision benefits more.
Texans Make Critical Final C.J. Stroud Decision Before Bills Game