The Houston Texans are in the early going of their offseason program, but C.J. Stroud has already been as prominent as ever. Stroud is entering his fourth season with the Texans and is coming off a polarizing, turnover-filled postseason showing in 2025.
However, Stroud remains confident not only in his talent but also in what he has done on the field regarding his role in the decision about his long-term future in Houston.
The Texans continue to say and suggest that they do, too, even amid their lingering matter.
C.J. Stroud Draws Attention During Texans OTAs
GettyC.J. Stroud has had an eventful offseason, including during the Houston Texans’ OTAs.
The Texans head into the 2026 season having picked up Stroud’s fifth-year option, but there have been no talks of a potential contract extension. Instead, Stroud has said he wants to remain with the Texans and that he believes he has done enough to warrant an extension.
The Texans continue to laud Stroud.
“7 is back,” the Texans said in a post on X on May 29, featuring two images of Stroud on the field during organized team activities (OTAs).
Being the starting quarterback, Stroud has naturally been prominent in the Texans’ social media content during their offseason program. However, his presence is notable after he dealt with a pectoral strain at this point in the calendar during the 2025 offseason.
He was limited until training camp.
Additionally, Stroud navigated the season-long absence of running back Joe Mixon, a first-year offensive coordinator, and missed time while recovering from his second career concussion.
He finished the regular season with career highs in completion percentage and passer rating, throwing for 3,041 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. Stroud posted a 1,438-6-6 line in the postseason.
DeMeco Ryans Heaps More Praise on C.J. Stroud
GettyDeMeco Ryans continues to be effusive with praise for C.J. Stroud during the Houston Texans’ offseason program.
The Texans selected Stroud second overall in the 2023 draft, and he has led them to the postseason in all three years of his NFL career.
This offseason, Stroud cut his hair, got some new tattoos, and revamped his diet. Stroud has downplayed the changes. Still, there has been a clear shift from him following a disappointing end to the 2025 season.
Most importantly, he has been present, something head coach DeMeco Ryans appreciates.
“C.J.’s doing a great job all offseason,” Ryan told reporters on May 28. “It’s probably the first time he’s had a full offseason. He’s been dedicated to the work. He’s done a really great job of, first and foremost, just being here. Being accountable, owning the reps, doing a great job of communicating, all right, with the staff, with the players. He’s doing a great job, just taking more ownership of the offense.
“Excited to see what this season entails for him. Because he’s having a really great start to it being here in the offseason.”
Stroud is under contract with the Texans through the 2027 season, so the 2026 campaign is not necessarily do-or-die for either side. However, the lack of a deal has already drawn significant attention, which will only intensify as more time passes.
Texans Send 3-Word Message on C.J. Stroud After Strong Comments