Texans Announce C.J. Stroud Decision After Third NFL Season

Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Texans Announce C.J. Stroud Decision After Third NFL Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Feb 24, 2026 12:29 PM ET

After going 12-5 in the regular season, C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans suffered a painful divisional round loss to the New England Patriots. Stroud struggled especially hard in the loss, throwing for 212 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions.

After winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, the quarterback has yet to make a significant leap. His passing yards and touchdowns have hit career lows in each of the last two seasons.

That's led to the 24-year-old being the center of trade speculation. In an episode of the "Todd McShay Show," the NFL analyst said, "There’s gonna be some big name QBs that are gonna be targeted... CJ Stroud’s a name."

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7).© Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

With one more year on his rookie deal and the potential for a fifth-year option in 2027, Stroud would immediately be one of the top options for quarterback-needy teams in a weak free agent and draft class.

However, when speaking to the media on Tuesday, general manager Nick Caserio shut down any trade rumors, making it clear Stroud will not be traded this offseason.

"#Texans GM Nick Caserio amidst trade speculation regarding QB CJ Stroud 'he’s not going anywhere,'" ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime wrote in an X post.

#Texans GM Nick Caserio amidst trade speculation regarding QB CJ Stroud “he’s not going anywhere.”
— DJ Bien-Aime (@Djbienaime) February 24, 2026

He was still productive in the regular season, throwing for 3,041 yards, 19 touchdowns, eight interceptions and a 92.9 passer rating. He also rushed for 209 yards and one touchdown.

However, with no plans to move on from Stroud as of now, signs are pointing to an eventual extension for the former Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback. Spotrac projects Stroud's market value will earn him an annual salary of $51.6 million.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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