Jan 18, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) after the game against the New England Patriots in an AFC Divisional Round game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Houston Texans: Make Long-Anticipated $25 Million Decision on QB

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By Jackson Loschko | Last updated Apr 8, 2026 12:23 PM ET

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has regressed since his incredible rookie season, partially due to Tank Dell missing part of 2024 and the entire 2025 season. He recorded career lows in passing yards and touchdowns in his third season, completing 64.5% of his passes for 3,041 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, along with a 92.9 passer rating and 61.7 QBR, finishing with a 9-5 record in the regular season. Stroud also completed 41 of 79 pass attempts for 462 yards, two touchdowns, and a league-high five interceptions in the playoffs. He missed three games with a concussion.

Stroud aims to return to his rookie season form and help the Texans contend for a Super Bowl in 2026.

The Houston Texans have a major financial decision to make soon

Since he was a first-round pick and has recently completed his third regular season, C.J. Stroud has a fully guaranteed 5th-year option for the 2027 season attached to his contract, with the decision due in May. Because he did not make the Pro Bowl on the original ballot as a rookie, but met the playtime threshold by playing 50% or more of snaps in each season, he qualifies under Tier 2. Tier 2 is worth approximately $25.904 million, per Over The Cap.

Stroud is also eligible to negotiate and sign a long-term contract extension.

The Texans make long-anticipated $25 million decision on QB

Jan 18, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) runs with the ball in the third quarter against the New England Patriots in an AFC Divisional Round game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

According to Field Yates of ESPN, the Texans have exercised C.J. Stroud‘s fully guaranteed $25.904 million 5th-year option for the 2027 season, giving him the 18th-highest cap hit among quarterbacks that year. The move isn’t a surprise, despite his recent regression, as the expectation going into May was that the front office would pick up his club option. Additionally, the team will likely let the season play out, then secure Stroud to a long-term contract extension if all goes well, rather than signing him this offseason.

The Texans have exercised the 2027 fifth-year options on the contracts of QB CJ Stroud and All Pro DE Will Anderson, per source.

Stroud is now due $25.904M in 2027, while Anderson is due $21.512M.

Both players are also extension eligible. pic.twitter.com/IFBcqyEQG3

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 8, 2026